Earlier this month, Gretchen Rossi and Slade Smiley mourned the death of Grayson. Grayson was Smiley’s son who was battling brain cancer. There have been a lot of controversies after their private tragedy.
Rossi And Smiley Slammed By His Late Son, Grayson’s Mother
Real Housewives Of Orange County stars, Rossi and Smiley recently mourned the passing of Smiley’s 22-year-old son, Grayson. However, Grayson’s birth mother, Michelle Arroyo is calling them out.
She Accused Her Ex Of Not Having A Relationship With Their Late Son

Rossi and Smiley were accused by Arroyo of misinterpreting their real relationship with Grayson. According to TMZ , Arroyo said Smiley did not make an effort to see his son in 20 years. She added that their relationship was “nonexistent.”
Grayson Faced Several Health Issues

Arroyo has sacrificed her life savings and business to take care of Grayson. He started battling brain cancer at the age of 6. Arroyo told the publication that Grayson desperately wanted to have a relationship with his father. However, Smiley made no effort and neglected his son.
Arroyo Shared More Information About Smiley’s Neglect Of Grayson
Arroyo opened up more about all she did to care for Grayson. The emotional mother shared that she had to hire lawyers to get Smiley to pay the child support he owed. The child support was roughly $152,000. Smiley’s last payment was in 2019.
A GoFundMe Page Was Set Up
Arroyo also recently started a GoFundMe to cover the cost of a proper memorial service for Grayson. She also had to cover medical expenses which Smiley was supposed to contribute to. The goal of the family was to get $75,000 and have been able to get donations of $31,000.
Description Of The GoFundMe Account Created For Grayson
In the description of the GoFundMe account, the family revealed that Grayson had 29 surgeries. Out of the 29 surgeries, 21 were brain surgeries. The family shared that for 16 years, his tumors were managed by treatments.
The Health Complications
However, the complications damaged almost all his major body systems. They also wrote that unfortunately, Grayson passed away after his long battle with cancer. The page added that the money raised would be used to clear medical expenses and for Grayson’s memorial service.
Arroyo Was Reportedly The Sole Provider For Her Son
It was stated that his mom was the sole provider. The page also indicated that the additional funds gathered will go into donations for the Amazing Gray Foundation.
Rossi Pens Heartwarming Tribute To Grayson On Her Instagram

After Grayson’s death, Rossi took to her Instagram account on February 7, 2023, to pen a heartfelt tribute. The RHOC alum posted a slideshow of images of Grayson with his family. In the caption, she penned her heartbreak over the loss.
A Painful Farewell
The reality star relayed, “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. We are beyond devastated and heartbroken over the loss of Gray. Grayson Arroyo-Smiley was such a special human being.” She added that Grayson was an angel and “an incredible warrior.”
Rossi’s Tribute Was Touching
The TV personality wrote of how Grayson fought every day through his pain and discomfort to find the joy in the smallest thing.” She described the late boy as “the beacon of light and hope.” Rossi added that she was grateful for the lessons Grayson taught them. She ended the caption by wishing Grayson’s body is renewed and he is given life again.
Arroyo Honors Grayson’s Life And Strength In Instagram Post
Arroyo also took to her Instagram page to honor the strength and life of Grayson. She announced that he passed away on February 5, 2023. Arroyo added that Grayson’s heart stopped at home. He was able to go to the hospital after she performed chest compressions and paramedics arrived.
She Detailed The Situation With His Health
She noted that her son looked to be in better shape when he left home for the hospital. However, the story turned bleak by the time he arrived at the hospital. The sad mother added that unfortunately, his heart stopped at the hospital. She added that she was in shock but she knew he was in a good place.
Arroyo Shared Her Heartbreaking Farewell
She included a close-up photo of her beloved son. Arroyo proved to be a strong mom, as she outlined that the last few months of Grayson’s life included rating fever. infection, and low potassium. She noted that those were her pointer to what led to his passing.
Insight Into Rossi And Smiley’s Relationship

Gretchen Rossi joined the Real Housewives of Orange County as the odd woman out because she was the youngest. She also had a fiance way older than her and it caused the other housewives to believe she was in it for the money. However, it appeared the situation changed when she kicked off her relationship with Smiley.
Their Drama On RHOC
When Smiley started dating Rossi, he was divorced and could not pay child support. It brought up speculations that Smiley was a golddigger and Rossi was the breadwinner. It also did not help that he did not try to get a job and he seemed to have brewed a feud because he formerly dated another RHOC star.
Rossi and Smiley Are Engaged
Rossi left RHOC at the end of season 8 after dating Smiley for four years. After her exit, Smiley and Rossi got engaged. Before then, Rossi had refused unless he cleared his debt but she later said, “yes.”
They Struggled With Infertility
Rossi did not return to Bravo and focused on growing her handbag line for a few years. After a while, Rossi entered the journey of motherhood. She did several IVF which failed but she later became pregnant.
They Now Have A Daughter

She told Us Weekly in February 2018, that they lost 14 embryos. In July 2019, Smiley and Rossi finally welcomed their first child and daughter, Skylar Gray. Rossi and Smiley have been together for 13 years and counting.
Last Updated on February 20, 2023 by Ashabi Azeez