Matthew Byars, best known for his appearance on “The Real Housewives of Potomac,” has died at 37 years old. According to Maryland’s Chief Office of the Medical Examiner, Byars took his life on November 21.
“He died of multiple blunt force injuries. The manner is suicide,” disclosed a spokesperson to the U.S. Sun. This news comes after Byars’ autopsy report was completed.
Comedic writer Bruce Vilanch took to Facebook on the same day Byars committed suicide to announce what had happened to the public. “Matt byars [sic] ended his struggle this morning,” shared the “Get Bruce” star.
Bruce Vilanch at the Family Equality Council’s Impact Awards in Los Angeles, California on September 28, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
He then noted that anyone who knew Byars could DM him for more information concerning the tragic news before adding, “Sorry to be the bearer….”
“The Real Housewives of Potomac” (“RHOP”) fans recognize Byars from the infamous scene on the show where Huger held a “press conference” to attempt to clear up rumors concerning her financial situation.
Byars was thrown in the middle of an argument between Huger and her fellow castmates, like Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon, during the gathering Huger held to discuss her husband’s previous tax situation.
Reflecting on the moment, Huger expressed regret for having involved Byars in the drama. “Actually I apologized to Matt during that conversation. I was attempting to make a point with the ladies. My bad,” explained Huger.
Aside from that episode, Byars also appeared in another one where he sat down for lunch with Huger. The duo spoke about swirling rumors regarding Byars gossiping about Huger living in a townhome to her castmates.
Matthew Byars and Karen Huger in a scene from “The Real Housewives of Potomac,” posted on July 23, 2018 | Source: YouTube/Bravo
Huger relayed the information to Byars, who clarified what he had actually said. By the end of their lunch, the situation between the close friends had been resolved.
Since news of Byars’ passing circulated public spheres, several stars from “The Real Housewives” TV franchise spoke out about his death via tearjerking dedications on Instagram.
Matthew Byars and Melissa Gorga posing for a photo, posted on March 21, 2020 | Source: Instagram/officialmattbyars
Such stars include “The Real Housewives of New Jersey’s” Melissa Gorga and “The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s” Cynthia Bailey, to name a few.
According to the U.S. Sun, “The Real Housewives of Potomac” star Charrisse Jackson-Jordan also penned a tribute to Byars.
She shared a photo of the two of them on a rooftop and penned a caption that read, “Rest in Peace.” Gorga’s dedication was a video compilation showcasing an array of heartwarming memories she and Byars shared.
“Matt- Why didn’t you tell me Matt? I’m heartbroken. Your personality was infectious. Your jokes- you always had them. You should have done stand up- I know it was your dream. My heart hurts Matt,” began Gorga’s message
She continued, “Because earlier this week you didn’t tell me. I know life was tough- I know- Thank you for bringing me my very 1st performance of ‘ON DISPLAY’- you and I- WE ARE LOYAL.”
Matthew Byars and Melissa Gorga. | Source: Instagram/officialmattbyars
Ending her statement, Gorga noted, “They don’t make them like us. I wish I could have saved you. Thank you for the memories 💔 Go fly- Go make them laugh.”
Fellow “Real Housewives of New Jersey” alum Margaret Josephs also dedicated a tribute to Byars on Instagram.
Margaret Josephs and Matthew Byars posing for a photo with a loved one, posted on November 23, 2024 | Source: Instagram/therealmargaretjosephs
She shared a carousel post depicting images of the duo hanging out with other people while enjoying nights out together.
Margaret Joseph, Matthew Byars, and Bershan Shaw, posing for a picture. | Source: Instagram/therealmargaretjosephs
“Heartbroken, devastated, I can’t believe you are gone 💔this picture is just a week ago. Matty B, you were so vibrant, a sweet soul, kind, hilarious, always hustling for your girls [sic],” expressed Josephs.
Matthew Byars and Margaret Josephs posing for a picture with Margaret Kiss and Josephs’ husband, Joe Benigno. | Source: Instagram/therealmargaretjosephs
Josephs went on to highlight how helpful Byars had been to her, helping manage her book tour through the pandemic and being a place of solace for her and everyone else he knew.
Matthew Byars and Margaret Josephs during her book tour event. | Source: Instagram/therealmargaretjosephs
“I hope you know now how loved you are and you will forever be in our hearts. Love you @officialmattbyars 🙏💔🕊️,” concluded Josephs’ message.
Jumping on the dedication bandwagon, “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Bailey drafted a tribute to Byars on Instagram. Her post displayed a beautiful photo of the two of them smiling for the camera.
In her caption, she penned, “so deeply saddened by the news of my longtime friend @officialmattbyars passing yesterday. thank you Matt for all the beautiful memories. way too many to share [sic].”
Bailey went on to say, “i will never forget the laughter & love we shared. i will miss you my friend. stay in the light. i love you.🤍sending my most heartfelt condolences to the family & friends. just know that he was so loved by many.🕊️🕊️🕊️ [sic].”
Huger has also shared a statement about him as well. Taking to Instagram Stories, the “Grande Dame of Potomac” posted a heartwarming photo of her and Byars.
Matthew Byars and Karen Huger posing for a photo with overlaid text, posted on November 23, 2024 | Source: Instagram/officialkarenhuger
Overlaid on the image were a few words Huger shared with People magazine when she spoke to the outlet about his death. “Matt was deeply loved, and his absence will be felt profoundly by all who knew him,” said Huger.
She went on to express how heartbroken she was over the news and how much she loved and continues to love Byars, who, aside from being her assistant, was a dear friend. Huger also sent her condolences to his family.
Speaking to People, Huger divulged, “I will always remember Matt as the radiant, compassionate 17-year-old I met so many years ago. His heart and boundless energy lifted everyone around him.”
Outside of his time on “RHOP” and his presence in the Bravo community, Huger spoke about how driven and determined Byars was, and the deep bond he formed with the Huger family.
She added, “I’ll never forget the kindness he showed during my mother’s passing. I didn’t expect him to be there, but that was Matt — always showing up with love and support that touched the soul.”
Other Bravo celebrities who have spoken about Byars’ passing include Lisa Barlow, Dolores Catania, Dorinda Medley, and Ashley Darby.
According to Bravo, Darby posted her dedication via a video on her Instagram Story. “I’m sure many of you have heard about the unfortunate news that Matt Byars has passed away,” stated the TV star.
“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,” mentioned Darby.
She went on to emphasize the importance of individuals checking in on their friends and the significance of realizing that one never knows what someone may be going through.
Huger and Byars, who was introduced to viewers on the third season of the franchise show by the TV star, have an extensive history that dates back years. “I’ve known Matt since he was about 17, 18 years old,” previously revealed Huger.
Karen Huger and Matt Byars at the Every Hue Beauty Pop-Up event in Washington, DC on October 25, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Continuing, she clarified, “I encourage Matt when life is difficult. A lot of people call me ‘Mama Karen’ in Potomac because I love helping young folk.”
Matthew Byars and Karen Huger. | Source: Getty Images
“When life was trying to him, I reached out and told him to go to school, and he did, and now we work together. Matt is wonderful, wonderful in PR,” explained the “RHOP” alum.
However, Huger made it clear that while Byars wasn’t necessarily her PR representative, he was more closely aligned to being her agent and “booking person.”
“I met some dynamic people through this powerful young man, who’s extremely connected. And my personality and his connections just work so well, and I’m blessed to have Matt in my life,” boasted Huger in the past.
Robyn Dixon, Matthew Byars, and Karen Huger at the “Real Housewives of Potomac” premiere party in Washington, DC on April 28, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
At this time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to all of Byars’ loved ones as they grieve and mourn the loss of a significant and dearly loved individual.
