Kyle Richards Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Beloved Best Friend Lorene Shea
Kyle Richards pays heartfelt tribute to her late 'best friend' Lorene Shea, highlighting their deep bond as she reflects on the impact of her tragic suicide before filming season 13 A poignant remembrance of the most important person in Kyle's life
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Kyle Richards is reeling from the loss of her “very, very, very best friend” Lorene Shea.
"During the Wednesday, December 13, episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Kyle, 54, confessed that Lorene was her other half, noting that they always felt like they were separated at birth—despite the fact that Lorene was almost six feet tall and blonde. Kyle fondly reminisced about meeting Lorene in second grade, becoming best friends at seven years old, and maintaining their close bond ever since. She emphasized that Lorene had been the most important person in her life outside of family, knowing more about her than anyone else, even beyond her estranged husband, Mauricio Umansky. Kyle emphasized the depth of her friendship with Lorene, expressing that after so many years, Lorene knew everything about her."
Lorene passed away by suicide in May 2022. The Bravo star confided in her therapist during an emotional scene in Wednesday's episode, expressing her shock and confusion over the situation. Lorene had previously been entrusted with important responsibilities in the star's life, leading the star to feel baffled and distressed by the sudden turn of events.
Lorene made a brief appearance alongside Kyle on RHOBH in 2015. When she passed, Kyle shared a heartfelt tribute to her late friend.
Courtesy of Kyle Richards/Instagram
"Not too long ago, she began to struggle with severe depression despite always being a happy person. Those who cared for her came together to do everything possible to assist her, but the system proved to be ineffective," Kyle posted on Instagram in May 2022. "The system made it difficult to provide her with the necessary help. This past Sunday, we lost Lorene. The system let her down! It also failed her loved ones who are now in unimaginable pain. I am committed to doing whatever it takes to advocate for changes to the existing laws that hinder people from receiving the assistance they require."
Discussing Lorene’s passing on Wednesday’s RHOBH episode, Kyle expressed her disbelief that such a tragedy could occur.
In the wake of Lorene’s passing, as well as continued conflict with her older sister, Kathy Hilton, and turmoil in her marriage, Kyle acknowledged that she is taking "all the necessary steps" to ensure her safety.
Courtesy of Kyle Richards/Instagram
"I’m making an effort to be around people who care for me and whom I care for, support me and want the best for me, just as I want the best for them. Looking after my body,” she said. “I’m focused on doing everything that will make me feel more resilient. And it’s paying off."
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If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills airs on Bravo Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
