‘RHOP’ talent manager Matthew Byars dead by suicide at 37: Karen Huger and more ‘Housewives’ pay tribute
Matthew Byars, a talent manager who appeared on “The Real Housewives of Potomac,” has died at age 37.
The Maryland Chief Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to Page Six on Friday that Byars was pronounced dead Thursday from “multiple blunt force injuries.”
His death was ruled a suicide.
Byars was introduced to Bravo fans as a member of Karen Huger’s management team in 2018 during Season 3 of “RHOP.”
Huger, 61, described their working relationship during a 2018 interview with Bravo’s Daily Dish.
“Matt is wonderful, wonderful in PR. I do have a PR, Matt is not my PR, but I would say that Matt is in a line of my agent, my booking person, and it works for me,” she explained.
“I met some dynamic people through this powerful young man, who’s extremely connected,” she continued. “And my personality and his connections just work so well, and I’m blessed to have Matt in my life.”
Byars was mourned by members and fans of the Bravoverse following the shocking news of his death, including Huger and “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Melissa Gorga.
“I will always remember Matt as the radiant, compassionate 17-year-old I met so many years ago,” Huger told People Friday. “His genuine heart and boundless energy lifted everyone around him.
“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.”
Huger also praised her late friend for supporting her when her mother died in 2017, saying, “I didn’t expect him to be there, but that was Matt — always showing up with love and support that touched the soul.”
“Matt was deeply loved, and his absence will be felt profoundly by all who knew him,” she continued in her heartfelt statement.
“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.”
“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,” Gorga wrote alongside a slideshow of photos with him over the years.
She said her “heart hurts” because the beloved entrepreneur did not tell her that he was suffering “earlier this week” — presumably when they last spoke.
“Thank you for bringing me my very 1st performance of ‘ON DISPLAY”- you and I- WE ARE LOYAL,” Gorga, 45, continued. “They don’t make them like us. I wish I could have saved you.”
Several of her co-stars shared their heartache under the post, with Dolores Catania commenting, “We all loved him very much sorry for your loss i know how close u were 💔mat we will miss u rest in peace my friend.”
“So heartbroken and devastated, I can’t believe this is true. We were together the last two weeks,” Margaret Josephs penned. “Matty B the sweetest soul forever in our hearts we love you 🙏💔🕊️.”
“RHOP” alum Charrisse Jackson-Jordan shared a picture with him on her Instagram Story and told him to rest in peace.
Page Six reached out to Bravo for comment.
Comedian Bruce Vilanch appeared to first break the news of Byars’ passing on Thursday via a public Facebook post.
“Matt Byars ended his struggle this morning. Those of you who knew him can DM me for more information,” he wrote. “Sorry to be the bearer…”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
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