Credit: Sara Jaye Weiss/StartraksPhoto, Instagram
Grayson Smiley-Arroyoson Real Housewives of Orange County alum Slade Smiley and stepdaughter to former OC Housewives Gretchen Rossihas died at the age of 22 years.
Grayson was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and bravely fought the disease for many years. Unfortunately, heart complications and “unexpected” medical problems caused Grayson’s heart to give up, according to his mother, Michelle Arroyo.
“It was unexpected because last week he had CSF [cerebrospinal fluid] pulled from the shunt and they adjusted the shunt valve setting and he’s doing better,” Michelle said in an Instagram post Monday afternoon, announcing Grayson had passed on Sunday.
Michelle went on to say that she gave Grayson CPR after he went into cardiac arrest while they were at home, and that she was able to “get it” before paramedics arrived to take Grayson to the hospital.
“I did chest compressions to keep them going until the paramedics arrived and took over,” Michelle recalled. “When he went to the hospital, he seemed fine and was breathing on his own, but his heart gave out again at the hospital.”
Michelle said she was “still in shock” and “going through the motions” as she tried to come to terms with the passing of her son.
“I don’t have all the answers now, but I know that a few months ago with fever, infection, and low potassium, it may have caused the heart of a sweet boy. I’m still shocked and doing all the details,” he said.
Grayson’s stepmother, Gretchen, posted a tribute to her “angel on earth” on Instagram, featuring a carousel of photos of Slade and Grayson over the years.
“Our rational mind tells us that this day will come, but our hearts always hope that this day will never happen,” Gretchen wrote. “We are devastated and saddened by the loss of Gray. Grayson Arroyo-Smiley was a special human being.
“He fights every day through pain and sadness to find joy in the smallest of things,” he said RHOC alum continues. “She always sings & dances & laughs no matter what the situation. She is a true beacon of light and hope.”
Gretchen concluded the post by asking for privacy as the family “mourns this unbearable loss.”