Below Deck‘s Captain Lee Rosbach shared some devastating news earlier today as he reveals that his youngest son Joshua Lee Rosbach died last week after an accidental drug overdose. The announcement came in the form of a joint statement from Captain Lee and his wife Mary Anne on Instagram, along with a photo of James.
“This past Saturday, my beloved wife Mary Anne and I laid our youngest son, Joshua Lee Rosbach to rest. After a twenty year struggle, he finally succumbed to the demons he fought so long and so hard,” the statement reads.
More from the couple’s statement, followed by their post in full:
Addiction is an insidious disease that knows no social status or geographic boundaries. Whether you live in a 10,000 sq ft mansion or a double wide trailer, the path of death, destruction and devastation it leaves remains the same. We loved Josh unconditionally and were proud of the man he had become in spite of his problems. There was no one I ever knew who gave more of himself to those in his life. He loved with all his being without expecting anything in return. We both feel a hole in our souls that will never be filled.
So my message to those of you who are fighting this disease, find a way to get help no matter what. For those of you who have a friend, family member, son, or daughter who’s struggling, do what ever it takes to get them the help they need. Be kind and loving, and try to enjoy every second you have with them. Do not pray for our son, but please take care of your children and friends who may need it, as it isn’t too late for them.
Captain & Mary Anne
There was a memorial service for Joshua on Saturday, July 27. Here is his obituary from Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home in Fort Lauderdale — click the link to see a tribute video as well as lots of photos of Joshua through the years.
Joshua Lee “ Josh” Rosbach, age 42 of Fort Lauderdale, passed away in the comfort of his home on Monday, July 22, 2019. At the time of his passing he was in the hearts and minds of those he loved the most. A gentle and kind soul, Josh was loved by everyone he came into contact with and never met a stranger. His smile, and although quiet personality were traits that people admired. But the simple things in life were exciting too, especially when he worked hard to buy his first home where he enjoyed spending quality time with his “Fur ever buddy and protector” Champ. Josh followed his father’s love for the ocean, whether it was sail boating or First Mate aboard a Yacht. As a son, he was everything to his father and mother. He was a good brother and he loved the precious times they spent together. Josh is survived by his parents, Harold Lee and Mary Anne Rosbach; his sister, Sherri Ryan; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Glen and Sherry Ryan, Sean Rosbach and Eric and Sarah Rosbach; his nieces and nephews, Weston Rosbach, Breanna Ryan, Taylor Ryan, Riley McKeough, Cody McKeough, Anne Marie Rosbach, Madelyn Rosbach and Casey Rosbach; numerous aunts uncles and cousins. Many dear and cherished friends. Josh was predeceased by his grandparents.
Since Josh loved animals, the family has asked that in lieu of flowers donations in Josh’s memory be made to the Humane Society of Broward County. (https://humanebroward.com/donate-old/honor-memorial-donation/)
Josh’s family honored and commemorated his life, on Saturday, July 27, 2019.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Kraeer – Fairchild Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 4061 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Online tributes at: www.kraeerfairchild.com
Our thoughts are with Captain Lee, his wife Mary Anne, and all of those close to Joshua.
Asa Hawks is a writer and editor for Starcasm. You can contact Asa via Twitter, Facebook, or email at starcasmtips(at)yahoo.com
