Heartbreaking: Real Housewives of Potomac star dies suddenly at 39, cause initially confirmed as suicide

“The Real Housewives of Potomac” is dealing with the heartbreaking loss of a beloved friend.

Matthew Byars, an assistant and talent manager who briefly appeared in the show, has died at the age of 37.

Byars was pronounced dead Thursday from “multiple blunt force injuries,” a spokesperson for the Maryland Chief Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Friday to The Los Angeles Times. The medical examiner ruled his manner of death as a suicide.

No additional details were made available.

Byars was the assistant and all-around right-hand man to Karen Huger and appeared on multiple seasons of the Bravo series. He also famously appeared at her “press conference,” when Huger held to address rumors regarding her financial struggles. She later admitted it was to find out who her real friends were.

In a 2019 interview with the Daily Dish, Huger said she had known Byars since he was a teenager and was there for him “when life was difficult.”

“A lot of people call me ‘Mama Karen’ in Potomac because I love helping young folk,” she said. “When life was trying to him, I reached out and told him to go to school, and he did, and now we work together.”

The network’s stars who knew Matt turned to social media to mourn his death.

“I’m sure many of you have heard about the unfortunate news that Matt Byars has passed away,” RHOP’s Ashley Darby shared in an Instagram Story on Nov. 22. “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 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.”

Former costar Charrisse Jackson-Jordan also took to Instagram and wrote, “Rest in Peace,” with a picture of her and Byars.

Meanwhile, Melissa Gorga, of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” turned to the platform with a lengthier tribute.

“I’m heartbroken,” Gorga wrote. “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 . Because earlier this week you didn’t tell me.”

She went on to reveal how Matt supported her during her first performance of her song, “On Display.”

“WE ARE LOYAL,” she continued. “They don’t make them like us. I wish I could have saved you. Thank you for the memories.”

Cynthia Bailey, “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” shared similar sentiments on the social media platform.

“So deeply saddened by the news of my longtime friend passing yesterday,” she wrote on Nov. 22. “Thank you Matt for all the beautiful memories. Way too many to share. I will never forget the laughter [and] love we shared. I will miss you, my friend. Stay in the light. I love you. Sending my most heartfelt condolences to the family [and] friends. Just know that he was so loved by many.”