Matthew Perry’s beloved Friends co-stars have shared a joint official statement on his unfortunate passing at the age of just 54.
Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer collectively expressed their deep sorrow over this event, conveying to their followers the depth of their grief.
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,” they conveyed to People magazine.
“There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.”
They added: “In time we will say more, as and when we are able,” the statement continues. “For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
Perry is best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the acclaimed sitcom, starring with Aniston as Rachel, Cox portraying Monica, LeBlanc playing Joey, Kudrow as Phoebe, and Schwimmer taking on the role of Ross.
The show Friends, which delved into the adventures of six friends navigating life in New York during their 20s, garnered massive success globally during its 1994 to 2004 run. It continues to captivate audiences with reruns to this day.
A source revealed to Page Six on Sunday that the entire cast is deeply affected, likening Perry to a “brother” they’ve lost.
“The cast is reeling from the loss of their brother, because that’s what Matty was — their brother,” an industry insider shared with the media, stating, “It’s just devastating.”
It has been reported that Perry was discovered submerged in his hot tub by his assistant, who tried to help him breathe.
Tragically, by the time the Los Angeles Fire Department reached Perry’s residence in Pacific Palisades that Saturday, he was no longer alive.
Captain Erik Scott, with the LAFD stated: “Los Angeles City Firefighters responded [and] found an adult male unconscious in a stand-alone hot tub”
“A bystander had brought the man’s head above the water and gotten him to the edge, then firefighters removed him from the water upon their arrival. A rapid medical assessment, sadly, revealed the man was deceased prior to first responder arrival.”
“The circumstances are under investigation by LAPD and the LA County Medical Examiner. We mourn with families and friends who lose a loved one unexpectedly.”
It’s speculated that Perry may have drowned, but the exact cause is yet to be confirmed. Preliminary autopsy findings are pending, and toxicology tests are underway.
Recently, a short emergency call was released where his assistant reported a suspected cardiac arrest.
In that recording, emergency personnel can be heard discussing a potential drowning situation. Although Perry had previously opened up about his struggles with addiction, he had claimed to be sober in recent discussions.
Rescue personnel reportedly found prescription medications at his home, but there was no evidence of illegal substances. The LA County coroner mentioned the cause of death is “deferred”, with the final toxicology results yet to be revealed.
By Sunday, Perry’s remains were handed over to his family, yet the exact cause of his demise remains uncertain. Initial findings from the Medical Examiner’s office can vary in release time, from a few days to several weeks.
Close friends mentioned Perry appeared weary recently. His latest Instagram post depicted him enjoying his pool, captioned humorously as, ”Oh, so warm water swirling around makes you feel good? I’m Mattman.”
In Perry’s memoir released the previous year, he openly discussed spending a significant amount on his path to sobriety, attending countless AA meetings, multiple rehab stints, and detox sessions.
He had proudly stated overcoming his addiction battles in 2021, and he seemed to be embracing a healthier way of life.
