RHOC star Gretchen Rossi reveals her stepson Grayson died at 22 after battle with cancer

Real Housewives of Orange County alum Gretchen Rossi announced the death of her stepson Grayson on Tuesday.

The reality TV star, 44, took to Instagram to share the ‘unbearable’ loss of Grayson, who died on Sunday at 22, after a long battle with brain cancer.

In her post, she shared a number of touching photos, including some of Grayson and her father – her partner – Slade Smiley, 49.

“Our rational minds told us that this day could come, but our hearts always held out hope that this day wouldn’t come to pass,” she began the caption.

“We are beyond devastated and heartbroken by the loss of Gray. Grayson Arroyo-Smiley was such a special human being.

‘Unbearable’: The reality TV star, 44, took to Instagram to share the ‘unbearable’ loss of Grayson, who died aged 22 on Sunday after a long battle with brain cancer

“He was an angel on this earth and an incredible warrior…a warrior like no one had ever seen before. He battled his pain and discomfort every day to find joy in the smallest things. He was always singing, dancing and laughing despite the circumstances,” she continued.

“He was a true beacon of light and hope,” the star added.

“Although his life was cut short on earth, he had an incredible impact on so many people. The Lord knew his life had a purpose and would touch many people along the way.

“We are forever grateful for the many lessons learned from this little man, and his beautiful spirit will be sorely missed.”

“May the Lord hold him in his hands, renew his broken body and restore him to life.

At the end of the touching message, she wrote: ‘It’s not a goodbye but rather see you soon little man…..We love you Grayson. You will always be in our hearts. Love your father, Gretchen and your sister Skylar Gray.

“Please respect our privacy as we mourn this unbearable loss,” Gretchen added at the bottom of the caption.

Tender memories: In her post, she shared a number of touching photos, including some of Grayson and her father – her partner – Slade Smiley, 49

Devastated: “We are beyond devastated and heartbroken by the loss of Gray. Grayson Arroyo-Smiley was such a special human being,’ she wrote in the caption

A Fighter: “He was an angel on this earth and an incredible warrior…a warrior like no one had ever seen before. He fought through his pain and discomfort every day to find joy in the smallest of things’

Her boy: Rossi’s other half, Slade – who she’s been with for 13 years – shared Grayson with his ex-wife Michelle Arroyo

Grayson’s mother also confirmed the news on her social media and shared that he was doing better after a series of infections, fevers and low potassium, which she said “probably damaged his heart. my sweet boy”.

Rossi’s other half, Slade — who she’s been with for 13 years — shared Grayson with ex-wife Michelle Arroyo.

Rossi and Smiley share daughter Skylar Gray, 3, together, whom they welcomed after a long IVF journey.

Skylar’s middle name is in honor of her half-brother Grayson.

Grayson’s mother also confirmed the news on her social media.

Arroyo shared that Grayson is doing better after a series of infections, fevers and low potassium which she says “probably impacted my sweet boy’s heart.”

However, she wrote that on Sunday “her heart stopped here at home” and she performed “chest compressions to keep it running until paramedics arrived and took over.”

Paramedics were able to bring him back and “when he left for the hospital he looked fine and was breathing on his own but his heart gave out again in the hospital”.

“I’m still in shock and I’m processing all the details. I know Gray plays cards with Gramma and plays Trouble with our beloved Diane. Her dog Mo is by her side because he has never left her,” she added.