“RHOP”'s Karen Huger Responds to the Sudden Death of Close Friend Matthew Byars: 'I Love You — Here and Beyond' (Exclusive)

After the talent manager died on Nov. 21 at age 37, the 'Real Housewives of Potomac' star remembered him in a statement to PEOPLE: "His genuine heart and boundless energy lifted everyone around him"

Karen Huger is breaking her silence over the shocking death of her close friend Matthew Byars.

Byars, who was a talent manager and appeared on The Real Housewives of Potomac alongside Huger several times, died on Nov. 21 at age 37. In a statement given exclusively to PEOPLE, Huger, 61, said she was grieving the loss of her friend.

"I will always remember Matt as the radiant, compassionate 17-year-old I met so many years ago," she said. "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."

She continued, "I'll never forget the kindness he showed during my mother's passing. 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."

Related: Matthew Byars, Talent Manager Known for Real Housewives of Potomac, Dies: 'My Heart Hurts,' Says Bravo Star

Huger added, "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."

Byars, a talent manager, was first introduced to the Bravo show in 2018 alongside Huger. At the time, Huger told Bravo's The Daily Dish  that they "work together."

"Matt is not my PR, but I would say that Matt is in a line of my agent, my booking person, and it works for me," she said.

In that same interview, Huger reflected on her years-long relationship with Byars, saying, "I encourage Matt when life is difficult. A lot of people call me 'Mama Karen' in Potomac because I love helping young folk. When life was trying to him, I reached out and told him to go to school, and he did, and now we work together."

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She also commented on how well he got along with other stars in the Bravo world, as she quipped, "He’s with everyone! And I love that. He’s a bubbly person and, again, a very successful young man and powerfully connected. I don’t mess with peons."

"Matt’s a good guy and us together, two powerhouses together, we make great things happen off-screen, in family and personal life, and we also make things happen fantastic on-screen, as you noticed. We’re good."

In addition to Huger, Byars worked with a number of Bravo stars including Lisa Barlow, Cynthia Bailey, Dolores Catania, Dorinda Medley, Margaret Josephs and Ashley Darby.

After the news of his death, tributes from the housewives began pouring in.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey star Melissa Gorga wrote on Instagram, "Your personality was infectious. Your jokes- you always had them. You should have done stand up- I know it was your dream. My heart hurts Matt."

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"They don't make them like us. I wish I could have saved you. Thank you for the memories 💔," she added. "Go fly- Go make them laugh."

Fellow RHONJ star Margaret Josephs added in her tribute: "Heartbroken, devastated, I can’t believe you are gone 💔this picture is just a week ago. Matty B, you were so vibrant, a sweet soul , kind, hilarious, always hustling for your girls . Schlepping me on book tour through Covid , cuddling in my room , making everyone feel like a star and they were the only person that mattered. I hope you know now how loved you are and you will forever be in our hearts. Love you @officialmattbyars 🙏💔🕊️"

RHOP alum Charrisse Jackson-Jordan also shared a photo of her with Byars on her Instagram Stories, writing alongside it, "Rest In Peace."