Matthew Perry’s family pay tribute to son who ‘brought so much joy’ after death

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Matthew Perry's family have spoken out for the first time since the actor's tragic death aged 54.

The Friends icon passed away on Saturday (October 28) after "drowning in his hot tub" at his Pacific Palisades home. The beloved star's family have now released a statement, saying he "brought so much joy" to the world.

The family told TMZ: "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. You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love."

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Emergency responders arrived at his Los Angeles home around 4pm after receiving a call about a suspected cardiac arrest. Perry was discovered unconscious in his hot tub, with law enforcement sources later confirming to TMZ that he had drowned.

Members of his family were also at the scene, including dad John Bennett Perry and mum Suzanne Morrison. Perry's parents split when he was younger and his mum later married Keith Morrison. The couple went on to have four children together, all of whom are Perry's half-siblings.

TMZ claimed Perry returned home following a round of pickleball, a mix of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, and sent his assistant out on an errand, but was found unresponsive when the aide returned home just two hours later, prompting him to call for help. No foul play is suspected in his death, while law enforcement sources confirmed that no illicit drugs were found at the scene.

However, a number of prescription drugs were discovered in his home. TMZ was told that the actor was on anti-depressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and a COPD drug. COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) brings down swelling in the lungs and relaxes the airways.

The late actor was loved by millions due to his portrayal of Chandler Bing in the hit US sitcom, which ran from 1994 to 2004. The character was known for his awkward sense of humour and sarcastic catchphrase which saw him struggle to romance women, until he married fellow Friend Monica Gellar.

After news emerged of his sad passing, the Friends' official X account paid tribute as they posted: "We are devastated to learn of Matthew Perry’s passing. He was a true gift to us all. Our heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and all of his fans."

A number of Perry's Friends co-stars have honoured the late star, including his on-screen mum Morgan Fairchild and Maggie Wheeler, who starred as Chandler's on-off girlfriend Janice Hosenstein. The other five main Friends stars, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt Le Blanc and David Schwimmer are yet to respond publicly to the news.

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