Gretchen Rossi’s late stepson’s heart ‘unexpectedly gave out’

Gretchen Rossi’s stepson Grayson Smiley-Arroyo has passed away after his heart stopped “unexpectedly.”

A GoFundMe account for Grayson, who was battling cancer since he was six years old, was opened by a relative Becky to help with his mother’s financial worries.

Becky wrote, “Amazing Gray was originally diagnosed with brain tumors days following his 6th birthday. Doctors said he would likely survive only 2-3 years.”

She continued, “Throughout his lifetime Gray had 29 surgeries, 21 of them were brain surgeries; 6 chemotherapy regimens, and countless appointments with doctors from California to New York.” 

Becky explained that Grayson’s tumors were “managed” but the intense treatments and subsequent complications “damaged almost every major system in his body.” 

“In the end, Gray’s heart suddenly and unexpectedly gave out,” Becky concluded.

Gretchen Rossi, 44, revealed the heartbreaking news on Tuesday that his stepson had passed away at the age of 22.

She shared on Instagram alongside a picture of Grayson with his 49-year-old father, Slade Smiley, “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.”

Rossi continued, “We are beyond devastated and heartbroken over the loss of 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 every day through his pain and discomfort to find joy in the smallest of things. He was always singing & dancing & laughing despite his circumstances.”

The Real Housewives of Orange County star and Smiley have been together for more than a decade. The couple welcomed daughter Skylar Gray in July 2019 after four years of IVF treatment.

The reality star has also shared videos of Skylar playing with her late stepbrother.