(MAINNEWS) – Gretchen Rossi is focusing on all of the good memories she shared with her late stepson, Grayson Alexander, who died on Sunday at age 22.
The “Real Housewives of Orange County” alum took to Instagram Wednesday to share a series of videos taken by Grayson’s father, Slade Smiley, alongside their daughter, Skylar Gray.
In the emotional videos, Grayson patiently played with the 3-year-old as they sat on his bed.
Instagram/gretchenrossi
Although Grayson — who had been battling brain cancer for over 16 years — was attached to a tracheostomy tube, he watched his younger sister as she scurried around the room with different toys.
“💔 We love you Gray,” Rossi captioned the post, which also included pictures of the siblings and her partner, who she has been with for over 13 years.
Smiley and Rossi — who left “RHOC” in 2013 after four seasons — welcomed Skylar in 2019 following a difficult IVF journey. The toddler’s middle name, Gray, is in honor of Grayson.
The tribute comes just one day after the former reality star, 44, announced the heartbreaking news of his death 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 began the post.
Instagram/gretchenrossi
“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.”
Despite the tragedy, Rossi went on to call Grayson a “true beacon of light and hope,” noting that they will be “forever grateful for the many lessons learned from this little man.”
Grayson’s mom and Smiley’s ex-wife, Michelle Arroyo, also confirmed the news on her social media.
By Nicki Cox
