Gretchen Rossi Posts Emotional Video Tribute to Late Stepson Grayson
Gretchen Rossi posted an emotional video tribute on Instagram to honor her late stepson, Grayson Alexander, who died on Sunday. He was 22 years old.
The Real Housewives of Orange County alum posted a series of videos filmed by Grayson’s father, Slade Smiley, filmed with the couple’s daughter, Skylar Gray.
Grayson is seen playing with his half-sister with his family nearby, in the touching videos. Grayson had battled brain cancer for over 16 years. The young man watched Skylar playing in his room while attached to a tracheostomy tube in the shared footage.
“💔 We love you Gray,” Gretchen captioned the video series, which included photos of the siblings and Slade, her partner of over 13 years.
Gretchen appeared on the Bravo reality series for four seasons. She and Slade welcomed their daughter, via IVF, in 2019. Skylar’s middle name, Gray, is in honor of her big brother.
Gretchen’s post comes one day after the 44-year-old announced the sad news of Grayson’s passing on Instagram.
“Our rational minds told us this day might come, but our hearts always held onto the hope that this day would not come to fruition 💔,” she wrote.
“We are beyond devastated and heartbroken over the loss off Gray. 😔 Grayson Arroyo-Smiley was such a special human being. He was an Angel on this earth and an incredible warrior…a warrior like no one has ever seen before. He fought everyday through his pain and discomfort to find joy in the smallest of things. He was always singing & dancing & laughing despite his circumstances.”
Gretchen continued — “He was a true beacon of light and hope.”
“Although his life was cut short on earth he made an incredible impact on so many people. The Lord knew his life had purpose and would touch many along the way. We are forever grateful for the many lessons learned from this little man, and will miss his beautiful spirit immensely.”
She concluded — “May the Lord hold him in his hands, renew his broken body, and give him life again.”
Grayson’s mother and Slade’s ex-wife, Michelle Arroyo, also shared the sad news on her social media accounts.
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Avigail is an Entertainment blogger at All About The Tea, who specializes in The Real Housewives of Atlanta and The Real Housewives of Potomac. Avigail has a background in marketing. She’s a Brooklynite living in the Bahamas, with a passion for travel, writing, reality TV watching, pop culture and spoken word.