A cause of death has been confirmed in the tragic passing of Josh Waring, the 35-year-old son of Real Housewives of Orange County alum Lauri Peterson.
Entertainment Weekly reports the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department confirmed Waring died in March from the combined effects of fentanyl, methamphetamine and olanzapine, an antipsychotic medication. His death was ruled “accidental.”
Peterson announced her son’s death in an April Instagram post, writing, “No one can ever prepare you for this feeling of such deep loss. Every fiber in my body hurts. Josh fought every single day for most of his adult life, for his life, but this past Sunday, the challenge was too great.”
Her statement continued, “Josh’s childhood was filled with deep intellect, humor, pranks, athletics, snowboarding, body boarding, mountain hikes, reading, friends and his love for music. Even during adult hardship, Josh continued to maintain his sense of humor, continued to be optimistic, continued to be kind to others, defended those that were unable to defend themselves and continued to love his family so so much!”
Waring’s death occurred just days after he was released from jail for a parole violation. He had several brushes with the law in recent years, including a 2016 arrest for attempted murder.
Peterson adopted his 12-year-old daughter, Kennady, amid his continued legal problems.
She told Page Six in 2018, “[Adopting Kennady] has been life-altering; it has changed our whole entire lives. My contribution to Josh has always been, ‘I will always get you rehabs and do whatever I can do to help you medically beat this addiction, and I will raise your daughter.’”
In her tribute to her son, Peterson wrote that Waring “received the most joy, pride and purpose” by “watching her grow and thrive over the years.”
Peterson concluded her tribute to her son, writing, “My heart is with you and I pray you have found the peace that you so deserve. Heaven has gained the coolest angel and you have gained your freedom at last sweet boy.”
Waring is survived by his parents, his sisters Ashley and Sophie, and his 12-year-old daughter.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.