RHOP star Matt Byars is dead at 37 as ‘heartbroken’ friend Melissa Gorga says ‘I wish I could have saved you’
TALENT manager Matthew Byars, who appeared on the hit Bravo reality show The Real Housewives of Potomac, has died at age 37.
Byars was introduced to viewers of the Real Housewives of Potomac during the show’s third season by star Karen Huger.
In the episode, Byars was part of Huger’s infamous “press conference,” where she tried to clear up rumors about her financial situation.
Byars’ best friend and Real Housewives of New Jersey star Melissa Gorga mourned his death in a social media post.
“Matt – Why didn’t you tell me Matt?” a grieving Gorga wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
Gorga continued, “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.”
Real Housewives of Potomac star Charrisse Jackson-Jordan also paid tribute to Byars by sharing a picture of the two on a rooftop, which she captioned, “Rest in Peace.”
A cause of death for Byars was not immediately known.
‘HE’S LIKE FAMILY’
In a 2019 interview with The Daily Dash, Huger disclosed how she met Byars, whom she had known since he was at least 18.
“I’ve known Matt since he was about 17, 18 years old. I encourage Matt when life is difficult,” Huger, 61, said.
“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.”
“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.
“And what makes him a true friend is that relationship continued to grow even when I got on this platform.”
Huger has not publicly commented on Byars’ death.
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