Father Of White House 'Gate Crasher' Tareq Salahi Dies

Posted on Oct 07, 2010 @ 08:10AM

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Dirgham Salahi, the father of news maker-turned-reality TV star Tareq Salahi, has died, RadarOnline.com has learned.

Michaele Salahi took to her Facebook page for an emotional tribute to her late father-in-law, posting a picture when she danced with him at her wedding, with the caption: “Forever in my heart! I am heart broken at the passing of Dirgham Salahi, someone that I loved and learned from.”

PHOTOS: Michaele And Tareq Salahi At The White House

The family issued a news release Thursday pleading with the media for privacy in their time of need.

"We appreciate that members of our family are the subject of some media interest for various reasons," the family said. "But we really need to mourn in private, as grief should never be a spectacle, rather it must be a sacred meditation, and we hope you'll understand why we will not have the media at any of the rituals celebrating this wonderful man, including any services or receptions that may occur in private.

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: At Home With The Salahis

"We are sure many of you understand our wishes as you've known and loved those you have lost," the family said, "and would not want intrusions or distractions yourself at such a time."

Dirgham Salahi was in his mid-80s; the cause of death has not been made public.

PHOTOS: See Michaele Salahi's Barbie Doll Wannabe Action Figure

Tareq and wife Michaele began attracting media interest when they were photographed with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden at the White House State dinner on November 24, 2009. They parlayed the residual notoriety into a spot on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of D.C., where their strong personalities have often landed them at odds with their co-stars.

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Before President Obama, The Salahis Rubbed Shoulders With Royalty

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these two have no shame .

by ronjeremy
Posted Thu, 10/07/2010 - 8:11pm

I hate when people put personal stuff like that on facebook it's soo disrespectful to post a pic of a deseased loved one on a facebook page.

by vermonster
Posted Thu, 10/07/2010 - 7:13pm

I'm sure they are sitting down somewhere right now trying to figure out how they can use this story to their advantage. They are unspeakable people.

by Ellie
Posted Thu, 10/07/2010 - 6:57pm

Are you kidding me!?! They want the money. Mom better watch her back and give her assets to charity. Who would go on facebook and ask people to give them their privacy. That is as phony as a $3 bill.

by veemee
Posted Thu, 10/07/2010 - 6:26pm

Why are these two still making news????? What have they done other than crash a White House party? Big deal! They are about as interesting as balloon boy's parents.

by Reader31
Posted Thu, 10/07/2010 - 5:54pm

Now the court battle begins! Shame on these two losers. They have no morals or shame for their actions. They take responsibility for nothing. It'sthe fault of others and not theirs. Go back under your rock!

by blubber
Posted Thu, 10/07/2010 - 3:24pm

Tareq, through his nonsense and poor business practices helped to drive his dad into the grave. The poor man didn't have a single day of peace with his idiot son and stupid daughter-in-law dragging their family's name through the mud.

by Siobhan
Posted Thu, 10/07/2010 - 1:33pm