Former “The Real Housewives of Orange County” star Braunwyn Windham-Burke is mourning the loss of her father, Brian Herman, who has died at the age of 63 following a battle with brain cancer.
Windham-Burke shared the heartbreaking news in a message posted to Instagram, where she opened up about the shock of losing her dad.
Her Heartbreaking Post
“I’m writing this with my hands shaking, barely being able for my brain to catch up with this new reality,” she wrote. “He was an amazing dad, grandad, husband, and human.”
The reality star added that the loss is still difficult for the family to process.
“I’ll post more when I’ve had time to process,” she continued. “We’re all here together, trying to figure out how to do life without him. I love you dad, for now and always.”
The emotional tribute came just weeks after Windham-Burke spoke publicly about the financial strain her father’s illness placed on their family.
At the time, she weighed in on a broader discussion about medical fundraising after actor James Van Der Beek faced criticism for launching a GoFundMe during his own health struggles.
Windham-Burke revealed that the costs associated with her father’s cancer treatment had been devastating.
“Our family is drowning in medical debt because of my dad’s cancer,” she wrote in an earlier Instagram post. “My parents saved, worked hard, and had a great retirement… all gone.”
She explained that despite years of careful planning, the expenses tied to Brian’s medical care ultimately overwhelmed the family.
Tributes Pour In
Other loved ones also paid tribute to Herman following the news of his death.
His wife, Deborah Windham — Braunwyn’s mother — shared a sweet and emotional video to social media of past moments.
Meanwhile, Windham-Burke’s wife, Jennifer Spinner, reflected on Herman’s close bond with his grandchildren and the lasting impact he had on their lives.
“Your grandchildren talk about you like you’re a superhero, and you are, were, and will always be,” Spinner wrote in a tribute of her own. She added that Herman stepped up for the family whenever stability and support were needed.
“When the kids needed stability and support, you stepped in and gave it to them,” she wrote. “You gave it to everyone, seamlessly and without asking for even a ‘thank you.’”
Spinner concluded her message by sharing how deeply Herman will be missed.
“You’re so deeply missed on this plane,” she wrote, “but I know you’re already working your magic somewhere else. I love you, and I miss you.”
As the family grieves, Windham-Burke has indicated she plans to share more about her father in the coming days as she begins to process the loss.
