'Real Housewives of Orange County' star Lauri Peterson announces death of her son

Lauri Peterson, who is best known for her role on The Real Housewives of Orange County, announced that her oldest son Josh Waring tragically passed away.

Peterson announced the news to fans on an Instagram post Saturday, where she spoke of his life and included cherished pictures of Waring.

Peterson wrote, "It is with a shattered heart that I write this post to let you know that my sweet Waring left this earth Easter Sunday. No one can ever prepare you for this feeling of such deep loss. Every fiber in my body hurts."

Peterson also explored her son's battle with substance abuse saying, "Not everyone understands those suffering from substance abuse disorder, but I am forever grateful for your understanding and the impact you made on his life."

While she didn't outright state that it was substance abuse that killed her son, considering that Waring was only 35, that is the most likely explanation for his sudden and tragic death.

Peterson and the rest of Waring's family are going through an unfathomable amount of pain and Americans should keep them in their thoughts and prayers.