Matthew "Matt" Byars, who viewers met as Karen Huger's friend, assistant, and "everything" on The Real Housewives of Potomac Season 3, has passed away at the age of 37.
Deadline reported the news on Nov. 22. From there, several Bravolebrities took to their social media feeds to pay tribute to the talent manager.
Karen remembered her late friend in an emotional statement to PEOPLE. "I will always remember Matt as the radiant, compassionate 17-year-old I met so many years ago. 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," she said. "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. His presence during that time will forever hold a special place in my heart. Matt was deeply loved, and his absence will be felt profoundly by all who knew him. To his family, I send my deepest condolences, love, and prayers for comfort. 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."
In an Instagram Story, RHOP's Ashley Darby opened up about Karen's long-standing connection to Matt.
"I'm sure many of you have heard about the unfortunate news that Matt Byars has passed away," she began in her video. "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, you know, 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, so..."
RHOP alum Charrisse Jackson-Jordan posted an Instagram Story of her and Matt.
"Rest in Peace [Matt Byars]," she wrote over the picture.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey's Melissa Gorga shared a video featuring images of her and Matt from over the years.
"I'm heartbroken," the mom of three wrote in part. "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."
Melissa also thanked Matt "for bringing me my very [first] performance of 'ON DISPLAY,' adding, "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."
RHONJ's Margaret Josephs also paid tribute to Matt in a post that featured photos and sweet moments shared with him.
"Heartbroken, devastated, I can’t believe you are gone," she wrote alongside a recent picture. "Matty B, you were so vibrant, a sweet soul , kind, hilarious, always hustling for your girls. Schlepping me on book tour through Covid, cuddling in my room, making everyone feel like a star and they were the only person that mattered. I hope you know now how loved you are and you will forever be in our hearts. Love you."
Cynthia Bailey from The Real Housewives of Atlanta posted a selfie with Matthew on her Instagram feed.
"So deeply saddened by the news of my longtime friend [Matt Byars] passing yesterday. 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," she captioned her post. "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."
Shahs of Sunset's Golnesa "GG" Gharachedaghi added two photos with Matt on her Instagram page.
"Oh Matt... I'm so sorry this world failed you. You were always a shining light of optimism and humor. You were one of the first people I started working with when I started TV and you always stayed by my side to make sure I was OK. We were both young and always ready for fun! To know you was to love you," the newlywed wrote. "God, I wish I knew... I wish I called you and checked in on you more. I'm so sorry. You have left this world a better place and have touched so many people's lives with your love and loyalty. I'm so sorry, Matt Byars. I truly hope we cross paths again. So until then, my friend... until then."
Karen Huger's special connection to Matt Byars
Back in 2019, Karen discussed her longtime bond with Matt in an exclusive interview with The Daily Dish.
"I’ve known Matt since he was about 17, 18 years old. I encourage Matt when life is difficult. A lot of people call me 'Mama Karen' in Potomac because I love helping young folk," Karen 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."
She also explained the professional role Matt had taken in her life.
"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 continued. "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."
