Kate Chastain Shares How Captain Lee Rosbach Is Doing Following His Son's Passing

It's been a little more than a month since Captain Lee Rosbach shared the news that his youngest son, Joshua Lee Rosbach, had passed away at the age of 42 after a 20-year battle with addiction. Now the Below Deck captain is coping with this tragic loss the best he can, according to longtime crew member and friend Kate Chastain.

Kate shared an update on how Captain Lee is doing during her appearance on PEOPLE TV's Reality Check earlier this week. "I speak to Captain Lee probably once a week at least. I mean, it's probably the most difficult thing any human being can go through," she said. "He did sound in good spirits yesterday because he got a new car, and he was taking it for a drive, and I think that was just helping him take his mind off things."

Captain Lee opened up about his son's longtime struggles with substance abuse in a post on Instagram on July 29 in the hopes of inspiring others to seek help or to come to the aid of those in need.

"Addiction is an insidious disease that knows no social status or geographic boundaries. Whether you live in a 10,000 sq ft mansion or a double wide trailer, the path of death, destruction and devastation it leaves remains the same. We loved Josh unconditionally and were proud of the man he had become in spite of his problems. There was no one I ever knew who gave more of himself to those in his life. He loved with all his being without expecting anything in return. We both feel a hole in our souls that will never be filled," Captain Lee wrote. "So my message to those of you who are fighting this disease, find a way to get help no matter what. For those of you who have a friend, family member, son, or daughter who's struggling, do whatever it takes to get them the help they need. Be kind and loving, and try to enjoy every second you have with them. Do not pray for our son, but please take care of your children and friends who may need it, as it isn’t too late for them."

Captain Lee and his family immediately received an outpouring of support from fans and celebrities alike, including Kate. "Beautifully written statement by Captain Lee at what is certainly a devastating time," she tweeted after hearing the news. "I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with Captain Lee [and] his wife Mary Anne in their home and the love they have for their family has always been a privilege to witness."

Kate said of her message to Captain Lee on Reality Check, "We had already talked a million times personally, but I think I just wanted to help him spread his message."

Captain Lee thanked everyone for their love in a tweet on August 9. "We're just now getting to all the kind and loving notes," he tweeted. "[Everyone] has been so kind and gracious, Mary Anne and I are deeply moved and humbled."