Autopsy results of RHOC alum Lauri Peterson’s son Josh Waring reveal cause of death at age 35

Authorities in Orange County, California, have released the cause of death of Josh Waring, the son of former Real Housewives of Orange County cast member Lauri Peterson.

Waring, who was 35 at the time of his death on March 31, died from a combination of fentanyl, methamphetamine and olanzapine, officials with the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department said TMZ Thursday.

According to the news agency, authorities ruled Waring’s death an “accident.”

Peterson, 63, shared the heartbreaking news of her son’s death on her Instagram account on April 6.

“It is with a broken heart that I write this message to let you know that my sweet Josh left this earth on Easter Sunday,” Peterson said. “No one can ever prepare you for this feeling of such deep loss. Every fiber of my being hurts.

Waring, who was 35 when he died on March 31, died from a combination of fentanyl, methamphetamine and olanzapine, officials with the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department said

‘Josh has fought every day for most of his adult life, for his life, but last Sunday the challenge was too great.’

Peterson wrote that her son’s “childhood was filled with a deep intellect, humor, jokes, athletics, snowboarding, bodyboarding, mountain hiking, reading, friends and his love of music.”

She said that ‘even during difficult times as an adult, Josh maintained his sense of humor, remained optimistic, remained kind to others, defended those who couldn’t defend themselves, and still loved his family dearly!’

Waring’s sister Ashley Zarlin posted a series of photos of her and her brother over the years on Instagram on April 6, saying she lost her “brother to the relentless grip of addiction.”

She added: “It is a disease that deforms and destroys, leaving behind shattered dreams and broken hearts.”

Zarlin praised Peterson for her “unwavering love and tireless efforts to support Waring as he battled addiction,” adding that she wished she “could have done more, been more, to help him find his way back to the light.”

Zarlin added: ‘He was brilliant and had endless potential, but addiction took him off his path.

‘My heart cries for the missed opportunities to grow together as adults, to laugh and share dreams, for the conversations we will never have and the dreams that will remain unfulfilled.’

Peterson, 63, made the heartbreaking announcement about her son’s death on her Instagram account on April 6. Pictured in 2018

Peterson said her son’s “childhood was filled with a deep intellect, humor, jokes, athletics, snowboarding, bodyboarding, mountain hiking, reading, friends and his love of music.”

Peterson, an original cast member of the Bravo reality series, was photographed in 2015

Waring’s sister Ashley Zarlin posted a series of photos on Instagram of her and her brother over the years, saying she lost her “brother to the relentless grip of addiction”

Lauri, who adopted Waring’s daughter Kennady nine years ago, posted a photo on Instagram on Friday of her granddaughter celebrating an educational milestone

Waring, who has faced a number of legal issues over the years, is survived by his daughter Kennady, 12, his parents Lauri and George Peterson, and his sisters Ashley and Sophie.

Lauri, who adopted Kennady nine years ago, posted a photo on Instagram on Friday of her granddaughter celebrating an educational milestone.

“Official high school senior for @kennadykaydence and she’s bringing her sass to 6th grade!” said Lauri, who appeared in the first four seasons of RHOC. “So thankful for this bright light that keeps me moving forward! I hope you have the best year ever!”

“Dad and I are so incredibly proud of you! We love you and everything you bring to our lives so much! Xoxo.”