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VANDERPUMP Rules’ Tom Sandoval has rushed to St Louis following his close friend Ali Rafiq’s sudden death, the late photographer's sister has claimed in an exclusive interview with The U.S. Sun.

Devastating news shook the cast of Vanderpump Rules, who lept into action after they learned about the sudden death of friend Ali Rafiq.

Tom Sandoval specifically dropped everything to rush to his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, to mourn his loss following a date with new love interest, Texas influencer Karlee Hale, in Austin, Texas.

The VPR star was friends with Ali since they were in high school.

Throughout Tom's life and stardom, the pair have maintained a close relationship.

Late photographer Ali suddenly passed away at the age of 41 on May 19.

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The next day - following the Islamic tradition - his family made funeral arrangements for Saturday evening for those who could make it last minute.

Ali's sister, Rabia Raliq, spoke exclusively with The U.S. Sun following her brother's tragic loss.

"Tom Sandoval tried to make it on time, but he couldn't because his flight was delayed.

"So he was there on FaceTime and was there the whole time," Rabia shared.

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She then claimed that Tom arrived on Sunday, May 21, and he will be visiting Ali's gravesite where he was buried.

Rabia added: "The Vanderpump cast has all been in contact with me several times and have spoken to my parents.

"But it just was too short notice for anybody to fly in from Los Angeles to get here on time because we didn't know until about 2:00 p.m. that it was gonna be the same day and the burial was at 7."

Tom's ex Ariana Madix was also very close to Ali, even sharing a harrowing post on social media after learning the news.

Ali's sister, who believes Tom's ex and friends met Ali through him, told The U.S. Sun that she did not see the Bravo star in St. Louis, but did receive her message.

"She said something to my parents. I'm not sure what it is," Rabia revealed. "But you know, my parents are really comforted by talking to his friends. So, it's really nice of them and I hope everybody can just find peace with, with their stuff because you never know when it's gonna be your last day."

COMING TOGETHER

The St. Louis native's sister is referring to the whole drama that's unfolded after the Scandoval affair broke.

When asked what it was like to see Ariana, 37, and Tom, 39, both honor their late friend despite everything they're going through, Rabia said that Ali would've been "really happy" to see all the "sweet" messages.

"Oh, it's really sweet that they both cared for him so much and he cared for them so much, and he really respected and he was so proud of them," she shared.

"I've been showing my mom some of the Instagram tagged posts and all these memories that people have with him. It's really nice because, like, there's all these pictures that we've never seen.

"It's helping. Like, it makes my parents feel better knowing that he was so loved."

Rabia told The U.S. Sun that the family is planning on having a celebration of life event in the next couple of weeks for his friends from Los Angeles who couldn't make it this past weekend like Ariana and Kristen Doute, who also shared a touching tribute on Instagram.

'CAN'T BE REAL'

After Ali was found dead at his home in St. Louis on Friday, his sister said that the family is still searching for answers on what caused his sudden death.

"We don't actually have a cause of death yet. I know that they default put organ failure on his death certificate, but that's just kind of the default that they put when they don't have a straight answer," Rabia disclosed.

"When we found him, he was already gone. And there's no indicators of any clues or anything like that.

"So, we had a toxicology test, but I understand that it can take some time to get those results.

"We just don't know anything. We have no clue whatsoever, so we'd love some answers, you know."

The Vanderpump Rules cast is also just as perplexed by their friend's tragic loss.

The Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras frontman shared multiple photos with his close pal and wrote: "The love I have for you is way beyond words I will carry u forever in my heart.

"Always cherishing the beautiful memories, uncontrollable laughter, and epic experiences we had together. You were My best friend, my brother. I’ll catch u on the next sunrise."

Meanwhile, Ariana shared a throwback photo with Ali and wrote: "She wrote in the caption: "I keep wanting to text you. It feels like this can't even be real. We were just planning your trip to LA.

"Talking about our futures and all the things we were looking forward to. I miss our talks about life. I miss sending each other cat memes... I love you always and forever. I'm grateful for the moments we spent together and for the love and friendship you showed me over the last ten years."

'AFFECTED SO MANY'

All the outpouring messages have made their way to the Rafiqs, who have learned just how many people whose life he touched within these past few days.

Rabia told The U.S. Sun: "He was just like super outgoing, super friendly. Like, he was the guy that if you needed a connection, he always knew someone. He would put others before himself.

"We never realized that he knew so many and that he affected so many. I know it's easy for me to say because he is my brother, but, yeah, I really feel like that it's such a big loss for St. Louis."

Rabia mentioned that the family is asking for any donations from anyone he's touched be "made anywhere in his name."

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