Ashley Darby, Melissa Gorga & More Pay Tribute to Matt Byars After His Death
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.
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."
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."
Related articles
Matt Eberflus likely to return as Bears’ head coach in 2025
Browns' Myles Garrett Ranked Second Only To Patrick Mahomes In NFL
Canucks’ Cole McWard held off Young Stars roster with 'minor nagging injury'
Breaking Down Mike Hoffman’s PTO With the Edmonton OilersThe Latest
Broncos Could be Without Key Starter at Raiders
The Denver Broncos are on the hunt for their second straight win and their first ever at Allegiant Stadium vs. the Las Vegas Raiders. The Broncos also have the opportunity to sweep the Raiders for the first time since the Peyton Manning era ...
Seattle Seahawks might get the gift of 49ers misfortune in Week 12
The Seattle Seahawks might have completely turned around their season in Week 11. The team traveled to San Francisco to play the 49ers, a team they had not defeated since December 2021, and Seattle got the victory on a last-minute touchdown. ...
Ex-Giants RB Saquon Barkley Has Message for Daniel Jones After Release
The New York Giants spent a top 10 selection on quarterback Daniel Jones in 2019. The year prior, they utilized their top 10 selection on running back Saquon Barkley. That duo has been the face of the Big Blue franchise for the better part of the ...
Jets Predicted to Land Dynamic Young QB With ‘Elite Arm Strength’
It might be time for the New York Jets to zig after zagging at the quarterback position. On the NFL Stock Exchange Podcast, co-hosts Connor Rogers and Trevor Sikkema gave Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe to the Jets in the first round of their 2025 NFL ...
Cowboys Named No. 1 Landing Spot for Just-Released Star Quarterback
The Dallas Cowboys are in a pinch. The team is 3-7 going into their Sunday, November 24, matchup against the Washington Commanders, and they won’t be back with their franchise quarterback Dak Prescott for the foreseeable future. At this point, the Cowboys need a miracle, and they ...
