RHOC star Lauri Peterson announces shock death of her son Josh Waring aged 35 just weeks after his latest arrest - as devastated mother says: 'No one can ever prepare you for this'

Real Housewives of Orange County star Lauri Peterson revealed her son, Joshua-Michael Phillip Waring, died unexpectedly, at the age of 35, last weekend. 

The 63-year-old reality star announced the tragic news on Instagram, alongside numerous family photos over the years, including them together, with his siblings and daughter, Kennady. 

'It is with a shattered heart that I write this post to let you know that my sweet Josh left this earth Easter Sunday,' she wrote on her Instagram. 'No one can ever prepare you for this feeling of such deep loss.'

Following his passing, the former model said 'every fiber in' her 'body hurts.'

'Josh fought every single day for most of his adult life, for his life, but this past Sunday, the challenge was too great,' Peterson told her more than 111,000 Instagram followers.

Real Housewives of Orange County star Lauri Peterson revealed her son, Josh, died at age 36 last weekend (seen in 2018)

The 63-year-old reality star announced the tragic news on Instagram, alongside numerous family photos over the years, including them together, with his siblings and daughter, Kennady

The TV personality continued: 'Josh’s childhood was filled with deep intellect, humor, pranks, athletics, snow boarding, body boarding mountain hikes, reading, friends and his love for music.' 

Despite saying he struggled with adult hardships, Peterson said her son always maintained his sense of humor, optimism and 'continued to be kind to others.'

She also described Josh as someone who 'defended those that were unable to defend themselves and continued to love his family so so much.'

'He received the most joy, pride and purpose through his daughter Kennady and watching her grow and thrive over the years,' she added. 'Thank you to all of the people that have tried to help Josh along the way. I am witness to many Angels on earth.'

She proceeded to eluded that he struggled with substance abuse as she thanked other parents that have shared their stories with her that 'sadly lost due to this illness.'

'Josh I love you so much and I will miss you terribly!' she concluded. 'My heart is with you and I pray you have found the peace that you so deserve. Heaven has gained the coolest angel and you have gained your freedom at last sweet boy.'

His death comes just four months after his 35th birthday on December 20. 

Her comment section was flooded with supportive messages, including  condolences messages from her RHOC castmates Heather McDonald and Gretchen Rossi.

'It is with a shattered heart that I write this post to let you know that my sweet Josh left this earth Easter Sunday,' she wrote on her Instagram. 'No one can ever prepare you for this feeling of such deep loss'

Following his passing, the former model said 'every fiber in' her 'body hurts'

'Josh fought every single day for most of his adult life, for his life, but this past Sunday, the challenge was too great,' Peterson told her more than 111,000 Instagram followers

'Oh Laurie, my heart breaks for you so much. I know how much you fought for him and always wanted nothing but the best for him,' Rossi, 45, commented. 'May the Lord surround you with his angels and give you strength through this incredibly hard loss. I love you friend ❤️'

McDonald wrote underneath the slideshow that Waring 'was so lucky to have a mom who never gave up.'

Jo De La Rosa Gray, who also appears on Real Housewives of Orange County, told her costar that she was 'so incredibly sorry' for her loss.

'Sending you all my love and praying for your heart. Here if you need anything,' the Bravo star reminded her pal.

Eileen Davidson wrote: 'I am so very sorry Lauri. Love to you and your family.' 

Jeana Keough commented that her 'heart breaks' for her friend during 'this sad time.' 

Peterson starred in the first eight seasons of Real Housewives of Orange County. 

She and husband George Peterson welcomed Joshua-Michael in 1988, followed by their daughters Ashley and Sophie. 

Despite saying he struggled with adult hardships, Peterson said her son always maintained his sense of humor, optimism and 'continued to be kind to others'

His death comes weeks after Waring was arrested on suspicion of punching a security guard in the chest at Chapman Global Medical Center in California, according to the Orange County Register. 

Lt. Phil McMullin of the Orange Police Department said police responded to the alleged assault at around 5.45 am as Waring was being escorted out of the medical center. 

Previously, Waring was convicted and sent to prison for a 2016 shooting outside a sober living home in Costa Mesa. 

He was originally charged with three counts of attempted murder and faced a prison sentence of 65 years to life for the shooting of Daniel Lopez, then 35, on June 20, 2016. 

After spending nearly four years behind bars, he entered a guilty plea to four felonies - assault with firearm and leading police on a chase, two counts of assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, hit-and-run with property damage and battery.

He was sentenced to time served in jail at the time. A month later, he filed a lawsuit against Orange County and two Orange County Sheriff's deputies assigned to the men's central jail. 

He alleged in the lawsuit that the deputies set up an attack on him, which took place in October 2019, to have him killed in retaliation for Waring making complaints about them.

The attack was captured on camera at the Orange County jail in Santa Ana, showing a man hiding under a stairwell before coming out and attacking him. 

The lawsuit also alleged that two deputies tried to kill him on another occasion when they entered his jail cell and, 'unleashed several rounds of pepper spray balls.'

His death comes weeks after Waring was arrested on suspicion of punching a security guard in the chest at Chapman Global Medical Center in California, according to the Orange County Register (pictured in 2020) 

In September of 2021, Waring reached a $595,000 settlement in the federal lawsuit with the county. 

But since he was released from prison in 2016, Waring had been arrested multiple times on drug possession counts. 

Waring was taken into custody in June of 2020 in Huntington Beach and subsequently charged with three misdemeanors - possession of a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia and misrepresenting himself to police. 

Less than a year later, Waring was arrested in May of 2021 in Lake Forest, California after he was riding in a rental car that had been reported stolen from John Wayne Airport. 

He was accused of possessing fentanyl, methamphetamine and paraphernalia that was recovered from the glove compartment in the vehicle. 

In September of 2022, Waring pleaded guilty to a felony count of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell and one count of possession of a stun gun with a prior conviction. 

He also pleaded guilty to three counts of possession of a controlled substance, and one count of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, all misdemeanors.

Previously, Waring was convicted and sent to prison for a 2016 shooting outside a sober living home in Costa Mesa 

In his latest incident, Waring left the shower running at a Fountain Valley motel, resulting in damage to the room below in July 2023. 

Police found Narcan and drug paraphernalia in his room as 'he appeared confused and had slurred speech,' probation officials said, according to local reports. 

Following his hospitalization, Waring tested positive for fentanyl, hydrocodone, and methamphetamine weeks later and was found violating probation terms that required a mandatory GPS device. 

After his latest court appearance on November 7 for a revocation hearing, Waring received a 90-day jail sentence, according to records. 

He was released on December 12 but failed to report to his probation officer. A warrant was issued for Waring.