''RHOC' Alum Gretchen Rossi Announces Death of Stepson Grayson at Age 22

Gretchen Rossi has announced some tragic news.

On Tuesday (February 7), the 44-year-old Real Housewives of Orange County alum shared that her stepson Grayson had died at the age of 22 after a battle with cancer. He was first diagnosed back in 2006.

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“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 💔” Gretchen wrote on Instagram along with a carousel of photos of Grayson throughout the years. “We are beyond devastated and heartbroken over the loss off Gray. 😔 Grayson Arroyo-Smiley was such a special human being.”

She continued, “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 & 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,” Gretchen wrote. “We are forever grateful for the many lessons learned from this little man, and will miss his beautiful spirit immensely.”

“May the Lord hold him in his hands, renew his broken body, and give him life again. 🙏🏻 This isn’t goodbye but rather see you soon little man…..We love you Grayson,” Gretchen concluded. “You will forever be in our hearts ❤️ Love your Dad, Gretchen & your sister Skylar Gray. (Please respect our privacy as we mourn this unbearable loss).”

Gretchen isn’t technically Grayson‘s stepmother, but she has been in a relationship with his dad Slade Smiley for years. Gretchen and Slade, 49, share 3-year-old daughter Skylar.

Grayson‘s mom, Michelle Arroyo, revealed on her Instagram that he had died on Sunday night (February 5).

“I’m heart broken 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,” Michelle wrote. “We were still struggling with his diarrhea and I was giving him potassium 3 times a day because it was dropping so low.”

“His heart stopped here at home and I performed chest compressions to get it going until the paramedics arrived and took over. When he left for the hospital he looked good and was breathing on his own but his heart gave out again at the hospital,” Michelle explained. “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.”

Michelle concluded, “I’m still in shock and going through the motions of dealing with all the details. 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.”"

Along with Grayson, Michelle and Slade are also parents to 31-year-old Gavin.

Our thoughts are with Grayson‘s loved ones during this difficult time.