
Slade Smiley’s son, who appeared on Real Housewives of Orange County, died at the age of 22 following a protracted battle with brain cancer.
Grayson Arroyo-Smiley, who was diagnosed with the condition at the age of six, was shared by Smiley, 49, and his ex-wife Michelle Arroyo.
On Monday, Arroyo confirmed the tragic news, saying on social media that her son died on Sunday.
She wrote: ‘I’m heartbroken to share that my sweet Gray passed away Sunday night.
‘It was very unexpected as last week he had CSF drawn from his shunts and they adjusted the valve setting of his shunt and he was doing much better.
‘We were still struggling with his diarrhea and I was giving him potassium 3 times a day because it was dropping so low.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CoYKAAqybzF
‘His heart stopped here at home and I performed chest compressions to get it going until the paramedics arrived and took over.’
Arroyo continued: ‘When he left for the hospital he looked good and was breathing on his own but his heart gave out again at the hospital.
‘I don’t have all the answers now, but I do know that the last few months with fevers, infection, and low potassium most likely took a toll on my sweet boy’s heart.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CoYa4yqvjAA
‘I’m still stunned and going through the motions of dealing with all the details,’ she says.
Gretchen Rossi, who has been in a relationship with Smiley for 13 years and has been with him on the iconic Bravo reality show since its fourth season began in 2009, expressed respect following the revelation.
Alongside a series of photos of Smiley and his son, she wrote on Instagram: ‘Our rational minds told us this day might come, but our hearts always held onto the hope that this day would not come to fruition.
‘We are beyond devastated and heartbroken over the loss of Gray. Grayson Arroyo-Smiley was such a special human being.
‘He was an Angel on this earth and an incredible warrior…a warrior like no one has ever seen before.
‘He fought everyday through his pain and discomfort to find joy in the smallest of things. He was always singing and dancing and laughing despite his circumstances.’
Rossi, who has a three-year-old daughter with Smiley, called Arroyo-Smiley a “real beacon of light and hope.”

She continued: ‘Although his life was cut short on earth he made an incredible impact on so many people. The Lord knew his life had purpose and would touch many along the way.
‘We are forever grateful for the many lessons learned from this little man, and will miss his beautiful spirit immensely.’
Rossi added that this isn’t ‘goodbye but rather see you soon little man’, saying he would ‘forever be in our hearts.’
‘Love your Dad, Gretchen & your sister Skylar Gray,’ she ended the post.