‘Real Housewives of Orange County’ alum Slade Smiley has lost her son, Grayson Smiley-Arroyo. He was 22 when he passed away.
Michelle Arroyo, Grayson’s mom, shared the sad news via Instagram on Monday evening. She shared an adorable picture of Grayson, who was first diagnosed with cancer in 2006. “It was very unexpected as last week he had CSF [cerebrospinal fluid] drawn from his shunts and they adjusted the valve setting of his shunt and he was doing much better,” she wrote, and added that he was “still struggling” with other health conditions when the boy’s heart stopped.
‘RHOC’ Alum, Slade Smiley’s Loses Son, Grayson Passes Away at 22: ‘Such a Special Human Being’
“I performed chest compressions to get it going until the paramedics arrived and took over,” Michelle said. “When he left for the hospital he looked good and was breathing on his own but his heart gave out again at the hospital,” she said.
“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. 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”
The late Grayson was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2006, just three days after he turned 6, according to Michelle’s support website. Gretchen Rossi, his father’s fiancé, also mourned his loss, sharing cute images of Smiley and Grayson over the years. She wrote, “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 💔. “We are beyond devastated and heartbroken over the loss off Gray. 😔 Grayson Arroyo-Smiley was such a special human being.”
Referring to him as “an angel on earth” and “an incredible warrior” Gretchen saluted Grayson as “a warrior like no one has ever seen before.” She shared how he stayed positive throughout his health struggles. “He fought every day 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 … ” “The Lord knew his life had purpose and would touch many along the way.” She said that the family is “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. You will forever be in our hearts ❤️ Love your Dad, Gretchen & your sister Skylar Gray” She concluded by asking fans to respect their privacy “as we mourn this unbearable loss”
