Karen Huger's Real Housewives of Potomac family has rallied around her in the wake of her former assistant Matt Byars' death.
"When we found out about the news, we did call Karen," Mia Thornton exclusively told E! News during Bravo's Fan Fest in Miami Nov. 23. "I was actually with my cast mate Wendy [Osefo] and we did call her immediately and we let her know, 'Karen, we love you. We're here for you.'"
Mia also reached out on her own after news broke that Matt had passed away earlier this week.
"I texted her, 'Sister, I love you. If you need anything, I'm here for you,'" Mia continued. "It's really, really hard, because we don't check on our strong friends. Matt was such a strong friend to Karen from what I saw, an outsider looking in. Any time I saw him, he welcomed us with open arms. He was so loving. So it's a shocker. for us. But I also think that his life will help save many more. And I want to make sure his legacy lives on."
Wendy also shared she's talked to Karen several times in her time of need.
"I'm just sending Matt love, I'm sending his family love," she told E!. "He was an integral part of Karen's life and we are all around each other, which makes him an integral part of all of our lives. I just hope that, when people are going through things, that there's people out there that love them."
Hours after news of Matt's death broke on Nov. 22, Karen spoke out about the 37-year-old's sudden passing.
"I will always remember Matt as the radiant, compassionate 17-year-old I met so many years ago," she told People in a statement. "His genuine heart and boundless energy lifted everyone around him. 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."
"I'll never forget the kindness he showed during my mother's passing," Karen continued. "I didn't expect him to be there, but that was Matt—always showing up with love and support that touched the soul. His presence during that time will forever hold a special place in my heart."
Karen concluded her message, "Matt was deeply loved, and his absence will be felt profoundly by all who knew him. To his family, I send my deepest condolences, love, and prayers for comfort. Matt, my heart is broken. I love you—here and beyond. Until we meet again, I will carry your memory in my heart. You will be missed beyond words, my friend."
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