‘RHOC’ Alum Slade Smiley’s Son Grayson Dead at 22

"He was a true beacon of light and hope."

Grayson Smiley-Arroyo, son of Real Housewives of Orange County alum Slade Smiley, has died. He was 22.

Grayson's mother, Michelle Arroyo, announced the saddening news on Instagram on Feb. 6.

"I’m heart broken to share that my sweet Gray passed away Sunday night," she wrote in the post, adding, "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."

"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 boys heart," Arroyo continued of her son, who was diagnosed with brain cancer just before his 6th birthday in 2006, according to her support website.

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The mother added that Grayson's heart stopped at home, before she "performed chest compressions to get it going until the paramedics arrived and took over," however, his "heart gave out again at the hospital."

She concluded the devastating update on a positive note, writing, "I know Gray is playing cards with Gramma and playing Trouble with our beloved Diane. His dog Mo is right at his side as he never left him."

Smiley's fiancée and former RHOC star Gretchen Rossi also took to social media, uploading a heartfelt note in light of the tragic loss with several throwback snapshots of Smiley and Grayson over the years.

"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 💔," Rossi opened the lengthy caption, noting they are "beyond devastated and heartbroken" over the immense loss, as Grayson "was such a special human being."

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She continued, recounting his inspiring disposition despite his unfortunate circumstances: "He fought everyday through his pain and discomfort to find joy in the smallest of things. He was always singing & dancing & laughing despite his circumstances. He was a true beacon of light and hope. 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."

The reality star also remembered him as "an angel on earth," "an incredible warrior," and "a warrior like no one has ever seen before."

In closing, she asked for privacy during the family's mourning, as countless people sent messages of love and heartfelt condolences their way in the comment section.