Kyle Richards’ Childhood Best Friend passes away from mental illness; the RHOBH Star Says ‘the system failed her’

Some seriously sad news has been revealed about one of Kyle Richards’ nearest and dearest.

Over the weekend the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star revealed that her best friend has died from mental illness.

Kyle’s best friend since childhood, Lorene Shea, died on May 1 from mental illness. She was 52.

“I never imagined I would be posting something like this …this is my best friend Lorene … my best friend since I was 7 years old. My other half,” Kyle shared on Instagram alongside several photos of her and Lorene from over the years.

The reality TV star explained that she and Lorene “spoke every day” and “did everything together.” 

“She was kind, thoughtful, funny, smart, beautiful, sentimental… The most important thing in the world to her was being a good Mom, wife, daughter, sister, aunt & friend (dog Mom too),” she continued.

Kyle explained that “not that long ago,” Lorene “started to suffer from debilitating depression.”

“She had always been a happy person. How did this happen?” she shared. “All who loved her rallied around her and did everything that could be done to get her help. But the system is broken. The system made it impossible to get her the help she needed. This past Sunday we lost Lorene. The system failed her! The system failed her loved ones who are now left in unbearable pain.”

She promised to “do whatever it takes to try & help change the laws that are in place that prevent people from getting the help they need.”

“I love you Lorene   Rest In Peace Please keep her & her loved ones in your thoughts & prayers,” she concluded.

So heartbreaking. Our hearts go out to Kyle and Lorene’s family and friends.