Matthew Byars, a beloved talent manager who appeared in the hit show, The Real Housewives of Potomac, has tragically died at the age of 37.
An outpouring of condolences and memorials have been shared online from costars and fans alike.
Real Housewives of Potomac Star Karen Huger’s Former Assistant Matt Byars Dead at 37. pic.twitter.com/072cgQR75a
— E! News (@enews) November 23, 2024
Maryland’s Chief Medical Examiner’s Office has revealed that there were “blunt force injuries” but has not released any further details of his death, only saying that the manner of death is being ruled a suicide according to a report in the U.S. Sun.
Byars was introduced to viewers of The Real Housewives of Potomac during the show’s third season by star Karen Huger.
The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal Matt died of suicide on November 21, 2024, according to Maryland’s Chief Office of Medical Examiner.
The spokesperson told The U.S. Sun, “He died of multiple blunt force injuries. The manner is suicide.”
An autopsy report has been completed.
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Byars’ most iconic moment on the show occurred during a press conference during the third season of the show alongside friend Karen Huger.
Matt Byars, who famously accompanied Karen Huger to her press conference during Season 3, has sadly passed away #RHOP pic.twitter.com/BuqxwWG8m0
— Queens of Bravo (@queensofbravo) November 22, 2024
‘Real Housewives of Potomac’ talent manager Matthew Byars dead at 37, Bravo stars pay tribute https://t.co/HSQxXx8Pka pic.twitter.com/CGSqwyRNCZ
— New York Post (@nypost) November 22, 2024
Huger reflected on her friendship with Byars during a 2019 interview with Bravo’s the Daily Dish.
At the time, she described Byars as successful and connected, according to a report in the New York Post.
At the time, she said she knew him “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,” Huger told the outlet. “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 reality star also shed light onto how well Byars got along with other housewives, explaining, “He’s with everyone! And I love that. He’s a bubbly person and, again, a very successful young man and powerfully connected.”
Huger shared a heart wrenching picture and simple message today on her Instagram account, paying homage to Byars.
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Melissa Gorga also shared a heartfelt video collage of memories including various pictures of Byars, pondering why he hadn’t reached out to her for help.
View this post on Instagram
Among the social media outpourings of grief for Byars was this post by Dee Snider, best known as the lead singer for Twisted Sister.
My friend @officialmattbyars died yesterday. I will always be eternally grateful for his help in rescuing my daughter Shy from the jungles of Peru during the COVID world shut down. Rest in peace, Matt. pic.twitter.com/UNxSqRNWqR
— Dee Snider🇺🇸🎤 (@deesnider) November 22, 2024
Apparently Snider’s daughter, Cheyenne, was trapped in the jungles of Peru when the Covid lockdowns began in 2020, with very little support available to get her back home.
Amazingly, Snider shared this message back in 2021, crediting Byars for being instrumental in getting his daughter safely back home to the U.S. when it seemed every avenue of doing so was blocked.
View this post on Instagram
Huger also described Byars as a true friend, saying “He’s like family”, according to the Sun article referenced above.
“A lot of people call me ‘Mama Karen’ in Potomac because I love helping young folk.
“When life was trying to him, I reached out and told him to go to school, and he did, and now we work together.”
Huger described their relationship as “true friends.”
ADVERTISEMENT“He’s like family,” the RHOP star added.
“He came to my mother’s funeral. I wasn’t on this show when I met Matt.
“I was a mother in Potomac, and he needed some advice, and I gave it, and he never forgot it.
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