Lauri Peterson, a former star of Real Housewives of Orange County, recently shared the devastating news of her son Josh’s passing on March 31 at the age of 35. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Lauri expressed the deep pain and sorrow she was feeling after losing her beloved son. She shared a series of poignant photos of Josh throughout his life, including moments with his daughter Kennady, whom Lauri had adopted due to Josh’s struggles with drug addiction.
A Painful Goodbye
In her emotional post, Lauri thanked those who had been a part of Josh’s life and had supported her through this difficult journey. She highlighted Josh’s lifelong struggle with substance abuse disorder and the challenges he faced every day. The loss of Josh has left Lauri with a shattered heart, as she expressed in her post, “No one can ever prepare you for this feeling of such deep loss. Every fiber in my body hurts.”
Despite his struggles, Lauri shared that Josh found immense joy, pride, and purpose in his daughter Kennady. Watching her grow and thrive brought him the most happiness. Now, as Kennady is in the fifth grade, she continues to live with Lauri and her husband George, whom she married in 2007. The bond between father and daughter remains a source of comfort for Lauri as she navigates this painful loss.
Throughout his life, Josh had faced legal troubles, including a recent incident in 2022 where he was found in possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine. He had previously spent four years in prison for attempted murder after a violent altercation outside a sober living home in 2016. Despite these challenges, Lauri always believed that Josh was unfairly targeted by law enforcement.
The tragic death of Lauri Peterson’s son Josh is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact of substance abuse disorder. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of support, understanding, and compassion for those struggling with addiction. Lauri’s journey is a testament to the enduring love between a mother and her son, even in the face of unimaginable loss.