Lisa Vanderpump is in mourning.
But she’s out of hiding.
The Bravo personality has understandably remained out of the spotlight for a few weeks now, ever since learning that her brother, Mark, had been found unconscious at his home in England and then pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
He was only 59 years old.
Initial reports indicated that Mark Vanderpump died of a drug overdose, although no official autopsy has been performed.
Or, if it has, the results have not been made public.
The DJ’s death actually took place on April 30 and it sounds as if his loved ones have been careful to keep various details as private as possible, which is very much their right, of course.
According to his fiancee Gemma Walker, Vanderpump deliberately took too many drugs late last month, as the British model told Radar Online yesterday that Mark committed suicide.
“It was for sure suicide,” the 36-year-old tells Radar. “I was the last person he spoke to.”
Walker went on to say that Vanderpump texted her that he was going to a “better place” shortly before he died, while even adding that he apparently texted her while in the process of passing away.
(“My fingers are getting slower,” was the final message Gemma says she was sent.)
Whether or not Mark killed himself, this is tragic news.
In response to her heartbreaking loss, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills veteran took to Instagram on Tuesday night and shared a throwback photo of the siblings.
“Rest In Peace big brother,” she wrote.
In a second picture of herself riding her horse – while dressed in black, head bowed – Lisa added:
“It’s been a devastating couple of weeks… one day at a time… I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all your love and support. Love Lisa xo.”
Vanderpump had originally said via statement that she was “shocked and saddened” by Mark’s passing, adding when this news first went viral:
“I am trying to be supportive to his two young sons that he has left behind, and help them get through this tragedy. We appreciate your consideration in this private and extremely difficult family time.”
The SUR owner’s employees and Lisa’s Vanderpump Rules co-stars took to the comments section of her Instagram account this week to send their condolences.
“I’m so sorry Lisa! Sending all my life and prayers to you and your family,” Brittany Cartwright wrote. “We love you Lisa!”
And then there was this from Tom Sandoval: “Hang in there Lisa we all love u so much!”
And this from Billie Lee chimed: “Aw babe! I’m so sorry! I love you.”
Mark Vanderpump lived in Gloucestershire, England and was once married for 22 years.
He had been with Walker for three years at the time of his death.
“This has come as a shock to us all,” Lisa said earlier this week, adding that she and her sibling were close and had just been in touch prior to his passing:
“My brother and I had connected the day before this tragedy and I was completely unprepared for this.”
We send our condolences to her and her loved ones.