Matthew Perry’s family has broken their silence on the actor’s death – to thank him for bringing “so much joy to the world”. The troubled ‘Friends’ actor’s blended family included his mum, dad, two step-parents, five step-siblings, and just over a day after he was found dead aged 54 in an apparent drowning in the hot tub in the backyard of his mansion in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, they have released a statement telling of their devastation over his shock passing.
They told People on Sunday (30.10.23): “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother. “Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend.”
They also thanked his legions of fans, adding: “You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love.” Authorities rushed to Matthew’s home on Saturday (28.10.23) after receiving a call about a cardiac arrest.
In a statement to Page Six, the Los Angeles Police Department said they “responded to the 1800 block of Blue Sail Rd for a death investigation on a male (at) 4.10 p.m. this afternoon.”
New audio from a 911 dispatch has revealed more details about the actor’s death as the 16-second clip, obtained by TMZ, contained the words “rescue 23”. It appears to be a reference to the local fire station that was assigned to the call.
The word “drowning” can also be heard in the audio.
There are partial bleeps on the call, but it appears to confirm the fear Matthew drowned in his hot tub. The LA County coroner’s office currently lists the case status of the actor’s death as “open” on its website, and an autopsy has been scheduled, though it could take months for the results to be released.
Matthew’s dad John Bennett Perry, 82, was seen arriving at his son’s LA home looking stricken hours after the actor’s death.
The star’s mum Suzanne was seen looking downcast in the passenger seat of a car alongside Matthew’s stepdad Keith Morrison also turned up at the house looking distraught. John was seen speaking to police officers before slowly walking back to his vehicle and being allowed under a cordon into his son’s home.
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