‘RHOP’ talent manager Matthew Byars dies at 37, Karen Huger joins other Bravo stars in paying tribute

‘RHOP’ talent manager Matthew Byars dies at 37, Karen Huger joins other Bravo stars in paying tribute
'RHOP' star Karen Huger had earlier praised Matthew Byars as a 'powerful' and 'well-connected' young man (Brian Stukes/Getty Images)

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

POTOMAC, MARYLAND: Talent manager Matthew Byars, who was on 'The Real Housewives of Potomac', died at the age of 37.

According to The US Sun, Maryland's Chief Office of Medical Examiner reported that the talent manager, who made his debut on the show's third season as a friend of Karen Huger, died on November 21.

The autopsy has been done and a source said, "He died of multiple blunt force injuries. The manner is suicide."


 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Matthew David Byars (@officialmattbyars)


 

Matthew Byars made his debut alongside Karen Huger in 'RHOP' Season 3

Matthew Byars made his debut alongside Karen Huger during Season 3 of 'RHOP' in 2018, who at the time told Bravo's The Daily Dish that they "work together".

Describing him as a "powerful young man", Huger said, "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."

Byars accompanied Huger to her "press conference" during which she made her famous remarks about her financial circumstances, per Daily Mail.

She described how she and Byars first met in a 2019 interview with The Daily Dish, stating: "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 folks."


 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Matthew David Byars (@officialmattbyars)


 

Huger 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."

"He’s a bubbly person and, again, a very successful young man and powerfully connected. I don’t mess with peons," she said at the time.

Karen Huger reacts to close friend Matthew Byars' untimely death

Speaking to People, Karen Huger, 61, expressed her grief over her friend's death by saying: "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.

Huger continued: "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."

(@officialkarenhuger/Instagram)
Karen Huger expressed grief over close friend Matthew Byars' unexpected death (@officialkarenhuger/Instagram)

"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," she added.

Alongside Huger, Byars collaborated with Lisa Barlow, Dolores Catania, Cynthia Bailey, Dorinda Medley, Margaret Josephs, and Ashley Darby, among other Bravo celebrities.

Tributes pour in from all over Bravoverse honoring Matthew Byars' legacy

Tributes to Matthew Byars' legacy began pouring in from all over the Bravoverse since the news of his death on November 21.

Melissa Gorga said she was "heartbroken" by the news and shared a collection of pictures she and Byars had taken over the years. "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 wrote.


 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Melissa Gorga (@melissagorga)


 

Charrisse Jackson-Jordan, a former cast member of 'RHOP', also posted a picture of herself with Byars on her Instagram Stories, captioning it, "Rest In Peace."

'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' star Cynthia Bailey echoed Gorga's views on her personal Instagram page. "So deeply saddened by the news of my longtime friend passing yesterday. Thank you Matt for all the beautiful memories," she wrote in part.


 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Cynthia Bailey (@cynthiabailey)


 

Ashley Darby of 'RHOP' posted a heartfelt Instagram Story, saying, "I’m sure many of you have heard about the unfortunate news that Matt Byars has passed away."

"So, it’s been a very long time, and 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," she said, per the New York Post.

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