'Pioneer Woman' Ree Drummond Opened up About Her Brother Michael Smith's Recent Passing

Whether it be the horrific truck crash that fractured her husband's neck and put her nephew in critical condition or her daughter Paige's arrest for public intoxication, "Pioneer Woman" Ree Drummond has certainly faced a lot of heartache in the last few years. Now, it appears that string of bad luck has continued with the reveal of some tragic news about her brother Michael Smith.

So, what exactly do we know about what happened to Ree's brother, and has she spoken out about it at all yet? Keep reading for a complete breakdown of the situation as it currently stands.

The Food Network star opened up to fans on Facebook about the latest heartbreak she is facing, revealing that her older brother Michael passed away in Bartlesville, Okla., on Oct. 31, 2021.

"It isn’t possible to sum up the life of someone as perfectly wonderful as my brother Michael, so right now I won’t try," Ree started off her touching tribute to Michael on Facebook by writing.

The celebrity chef continued by saying, "He was seventeen months older than me, my first friend and buddy, and I’m so grateful for over 50 years of photos and memories. Please pray for my parents, whose devotion to Mike was boundless, and who will feel this loss most acutely. Michael Smith, you were everything."

Ree wasn't the only family member to post about Michael's passing, as her sister, Betsy Smith, also penned a loving tribute to her brother on Instagram as well.

"We lost Michael, my sweet and wonderful brother, this last weekend. He was one of a kind, and he will be missed by so many people who loved him. I’m very thankful for his life, the connections he made and his caring, fun and independent spirit. Love you forever, Mikey," she shared in her touching post.

No official cause of death has been shared for Michael at this time.

According to a report from local outlet ABC 8 Tulsa, Michael had special needs and worked at his father's office for a few hours each day. He was reportedly very friendly with everyone he met and a beloved member of the local community.

Oklahoma resident and Michael's friend Dan Dalton shared his own tribute to Ree's brother on Facebook. In it, he wrote that "[Michael] is well known by almost everyone in Bartlesville and other parts of the state."

He also offered the only information regarding his death, saying, "It is nice to know that he went fast and did not suffer."

Dan added that "God has been very good to my favorite buddy. I know he is making lots of new friends in heaven."