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How RHOP Paid Tribute to Karen Huger's Late Assistant, Matthew Byars
Get details on The Real Housewives of Potomac's "in memory" message for Karen Huger's friend and former assistant, Matthew Byars.
The Real Housewives of Potomac Season 9, Episode 9 ended with a touching tribute to Karen Huger's friend and former assistant, Matthew "Matt" Byars.
More specifically, a photo of Matt from RHOP Season 3 appeared onscreen along with an "in loving memory" message at the conclusion of the December 1 episode.
The tribute comes after Matt passed away at the age of 37 on November 21.
Karen Huger honors her late assistant, Matt Byars
Karen shared an emotional statement about Matt's death to PEOPLE. "I will always remember Matt as the radiant, compassionate 17-year-old I met so many years ago. His genuine heart and boundless energy lifted everyone around him," she said. "More than a beloved presence on RHOP and in the Bravo community, Matt was a determined and driven young man with a deep bond to the Huger family."
Karen went on to thank Matt for supporting her when her mother passed away. "I'll never forget the kindness he showed during my mother's passing," she continued. "I didn't expect him to be there, but that was Matt — always showing up with love and support that touched the soul. His presence during that time will forever hold a special place in my heart."
"Matt was deeply loved, and his absence will be felt profoundly by all who knew him," Karen concluded. "To his family, I send my deepest condolences, love, and prayers for comfort. Matt, my heart is broken. I love you — here and beyond. Until we meet again, I will carry your memory in my heart. You will be missed beyond words, my friend."
The RHOP cast pays tribute to Matt Byars
Dr. Wendy Osefo and Mia Thornton acknowledged Matt's passing at Bravo Fan Fest 2024 on November 23.
"I'm just sending Matt love, I'm sending his family love," Dr. Wendy told E! News. "He was an integral part of Karen's life and we are all around each other, which makes him an integral part of all of our lives. I just hope that, when people are going through things, that there's people out there that love them."
Added Mia, "When we found out about the news, we did call Karen. I was actually with my castmate Wendy and we did call her immediately and we let her know, 'Karen, we love you. We're here for you.'"
What's more, "I texted her, 'Sister, I love you. If you need anything, I'm here for you,'" Mia continued. "It's really, really hard, because we don't check on our strong friends. Matt was such a strong friend to Karen from what I saw, an outsider looking in. Any time I saw him, he welcomed us with open arms. He was so loving. So it's a shocker for us. But I also think that his life will help save many more. And I want to make sure his legacy lives on."
Though RHOP's Ashley Darby wasn't at Bravo Fan Fest, she opened up about Karen's long-standing connection to Matt in an Instagram Story.
"I'm sure many of you have heard about the unfortunate news that Matt Byars has passed away," she began in her video. "If you can, please reach out to Karen Huger. She and Matt were very close. I think Karen's known Matt, I want to say, since either middle school or high school. So, it's been a very long time, and, you know, it is very important that we check on our friends. Everyone is going through something, and I acknowledge that. And sometimes it's just too much to bear, unfortunately, for some of us, so..."
RHOP alum Charrisse Jackson-Jordan also took to her Instagram Story, where she shared a photo of her and Matt along with the message, "Rest in Peace."
Several Bravolebrities who knew Matt have paid tribute to him, too.
