How did RHOC alum Lauri Peterson’s son pass away? Cause of death explored

The Real Housewives of Orange County alum Lauri Peterson announced the death of her son, Josh Waring, on April 6 in an Instagram post. In the latest turn of events, TMZ reported on August 29 that the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department ruled Josh Waring's death as an accident. This was done so because they found fentanyl, methamphetamine, and olanzapine in Josh's system, which contributed to his death.

The antipsychotics are usually prescribed to treat patients with schizophrenia, which Lauri hinted at in her post dedicated to her son. The RHOC alum also revealed that Josh passed away on Easter Sunday, meaning the date of his passing would be March 31.

"Josh fought every single day for most of his adult life, for his life, but this past Sunday, the challenge was too great...Thank you to all of the people that have tried to help Josh along the way. I am witness to many Angels on earth. Not everyone understands those suffering from substance abuse disorder, but I am forever grateful for your understanding and the impact you made on his life."

Lauri, who left RHOC in 2013, also shared that others with substance abuse disorder and their parents reached out to her and shared their stories, which gave her encouragement.

"I also 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 and the many parents that have shared their stories over the years with me about the children they have sadly lost due to this illness."

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A look at RHOC alum Lauri Peterson's son's life before death

Josh had a troubled past, as he was sent to prison multiple times. On February 21, 2024, he was sent to prison for 90 days as he violated the terms of his release from custody. He was released on March 29, two days before his death, as he was supposed to contact probation officials, but failed because of his apparent death.

Josh pleaded guilty to single counts of assault with a firearm and leading police on a chase, and two counts of assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, hit-and-run with property damage, and battery in March 2020.

In September 2022, Josh was given 106 days in custody as a punishment when he pleaded guilty to a felony count of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell. He also possessed a stun gun along with a prescribed substance, which are all misdemeanors.

Probation officials had to run into Josh's hotel room on July 25, 2023, as he left the water running at a motel in Fountain Valley, which damaged the room underneath. Police found Narcan and paraphernalia in Josh's room along with the running shower and declared Josh was talking in a "slurred speech."

A warrant for a post-release supervision violation against Josh was also issued in November 2023, when he was sent to prison for 90 days. After being released, the RHOC alum's son failed to report to a probation officer, which led to a warning being filed against him.

Josh has also been convicted previously for allegedly being involved in a shooting incident in Costa Mesa. He was also sent to prison on February 14, as he was booked on suspicion of punching a security guard. The incident took place at Chapman Global Medical Center according to the Orange Police Department at 5:45 am, as he was admitted to the facility beforehand.

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Lauri Peterson starred in seasons 1-4, 6, and 8. Josh is survived by his daughter, Kennady, whom the RHOC alum Lauri adopted in 2015 along with her husband George Peterson. Kennady was born in 2012.