RHOC star Lauri Peterson’s son Josh Waring likely died of overdose, cops reveal after his unexpected death at age 35

As Lauri Peterson mourns the death of her son Joshua-Michael Phillip Waring, details of his passing are coming into focus. 

After the Real Housewives of Orange County alum, 63, announced that Waring died at age 35 on Easter Sunday, police told TMZ that they’re treating the death as a possible overdose.

Although nothing can be confirmed until a toxicology report is completed, police do not suspect foul play.

The outlet noted that police found drug paraphernalia and residue in the motel room where his body was discovered. 

Officers reported to the Orange County motel at around 11:30 AM after Waring missed his checkout.

TMZ also reported that Waring failed to notify anyone he was leaving before checking in to the motel.

After he faced a series of legal troubles and struggles with addiction in recent years, Peterson announced her son’s death in a statement Saturday on Instagram.

‘It is with a shattered heart that I write this post to let you know that my sweet Josh left this earth Easter Sunday,’ she wrote. 

‘No one can ever prepare you for this feeling of such deep loss. Every fiber in my body hurts. 

‘Josh fought every single day for most of his adult life, for his life, but this past Sunday, the challenge was too great,’ added Peterson in part.

The former model went on to thank ‘those who have supported me through this journey and offering kind words of encouragement by sharing their stories of living with substance abuse disorder.’

She also showed her appreciation for the ‘many parents that have shared their stories over the years with me about the children they have sadly lost due to this illness ‘

Peterson’s daughter Ashley Zarlin also paid tribute to her brother on Instagram, while opening up about his addiction.

‘On Easter Sunday, I lost my brother to the relentless grip of addiction,’ she wrote. ‘It’s a disease that distorts and destroys, leaving behind shattered dreams and broken hearts.’

Sharing throwback photos with her brother, Zarlin continued, ‘He was brilliant and had limitless potential, but addiction veered him off course.’  

She added, ‘My mom’s unwavering love and tireless efforts to support him will forever be etched in my heart. She fought alongside him, never wavering in her belief that he could overcome this demon.

‘I wish for a different outcome with every fiber of my being. I wish I could have done more, been more, to help him find his way back to the light,’ added Zarlin. ‘As I grieve his loss, I cherish the memories of who he truly was, before addiction stole him away. My little brother.’

Waring’s death comes after he was arrested for assault in late February, when he allegedly punched a hospital security guard in the chest, following a four-year prison sting for a 2016 shooting and multiple other arrests for drug and firearm possession.

Waring is survived by his daughter Kennady, as well as his parents and sisters Ashley and Sophie.