Devastation in Potomac: How Karen Huger and the Bravo Family Are Coping with the Loss of Matt Byars

The Real Housewives of Potomac cast has come together to support Karen Huger as she mourns the loss of her close friend and former assistant, Matthew “Matt” Byars. Byars, a talent manager and occasional presence on the show, passed away unexpectedly on November 21, 2024, at just 37 years old.

Mourning a Cherished Friend

Karen Huger described Byars as a steadfast source of love and support throughout her life, particularly during her mother’s passing. In a heartfelt statement to PEOPLE, Huger reminisced about their first meeting when Byars was just 17, noting his “genuine heart and boundless energy.” She praised his unwavering loyalty, highlighting how he had been more than just a professional acquaintance—he was family.

“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 shared. Huger’s touching tribute expressed her profound grief, noting that his absence will be felt “beyond words.”

Cast Members Reflect on Byars’ Legacy

At the Bravo Fan Fest in Miami on November 23, 2024, RHOP star Mia Thornton opened up about the cast’s collective shock over Byars’ passing. Thornton revealed how she and Wendy Osefo immediately reached out to Huger to offer their condolences. Describing Byars as “so loving” and always welcoming, Thornton emphasized her hope that his legacy would endure.

Wendy Osefo echoed similar sentiments, noting that Byars had become a part of the RHOP family due to his deep connection with Huger. Osefo expressed her sympathies to Byars’ family and shared how his warm presence had left a lasting impression on everyone involved with the show.

A Community in Grief

Karen Huger’s heartfelt reflections were shared just one day after Byars’ death, with the Bravo community rallying around her in this difficult time. Byars’ passing serves as a reminder of the strong bonds forged both on and off the screen, with cast members and fans alike mourning the loss of a vibrant and cherished individual.

Honoring Matt Byars

As Huger moves forward, she has pledged to keep Byars’ memory alive, carrying the lessons and love he brought into her life. With the support of her fellow RHOP stars and the wider Bravo community, she continues to navigate her grief while celebrating the incredible person Byars was.

New episodes of The Real Housewives of Potomac air Sundays at 8 PM ET on Bravo and are available to stream the following day on Peacock. Fans can revisit past seasons on the streaming platform to see glimpses of Byars’ cherished moments with Karen Huger.