By Page Six | Created at 2024-11-22 22:13:45 | Updated at 2024-11-23 03:05:34
5 hours ago
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 “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Melissa Gorga.
“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,” she 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.
Huger has not publicly commented on Byars’ death.
During her chat with the Daily Dish, she revealed she had helped her longtime pal through tough times.
“I encourage Matt when life is difficult. A lot of people call me ‘Mama Karen’ in Potomac because I love helping young folk,” she noted.
“When life was trying to him, I reached out and told him to go to school, and he did, and now we work together.”
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.
