Talent manager and Bravo star Matthew Byars has died at the age of 37.
The PR agent, who has appeared in multiple episodes of the Real Housewives of Potomac alongside Karen Huger, died yesterday.
The US Sun reports that Maryland’s Chief Office of Medical Examiner confirmed the news of his death, and that an autopsy had been completed.
A spokesperson told the outlet: ‘He died of multiple blunt force injuries. The manner is suicide.
Following his death, a string of Bravo stars spoke out on social media, paying tribute to their friend and colleague.
Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Melissa Gorga posted a lengthy tribute on her Instagram page, penning: ‘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. 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.
‘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.’
Her co-star, Dolores Catania, commented under her post: ‘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 [sic].’
Margaret Josephs said: ‘So heartbroken and devastated, I can’t believe this is true. We were together the last two weeks . Matty B the sweetest soul forever in our hearts we love you.’
Crystal Kung Minkoff, from the Beverly Hills franchise, added: ‘I had dinner with him last year and he spoke so highly of you. He truly loved you. I’m so sorry for your loss.’
Real Housewives of Potomac’s Charrisse Jackson-Jordan shared a message of condolence on her Instagram story, penning: ‘Rest in peace.’
News of Byars death emerged earlier today – aside from talent management and PR, his Instagram lists that he also works in real estate, marketing and consulting.
He became a favorite with fans after his memorable RHOP debut, when he first appeared beside Huger in season three, which aired in 2018.
In the episode, he was by her side during her ‘press conference’ with her co-stars, where she attempted to put the record straight about her financial situation.
He would continue to make cameos throughout the series, and also became close with other Bravo legends, posing for Instagram pictures with Luann de Lesseps, Sonja Morgan, Cynthia Bailey, Erika Jayne Girardi, Vicki Gunvalson and Andy Cohen.
Speaking to the Daily Dish in 2019, Huger shared that she had known Byars since he was a teenager, and they had grown to enjoy a working relationship.
‘Matt is wonderful, wonderful in PR,’ she said at the time. ‘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.
‘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.
‘He’s a bubbly person and, again, a very successful young man and powerfully connected. I don’t mess with peons.
‘Matt’s a good guy and us together, two powerhouses together, we make great things happen off-screen, in family and personal life, and we also make things happen fantastic on-screen, as you noticed. We’re good.’
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