The cast of Friends have paid tribute to Matthew Perry after their co-star's tragic death at the age of 54.
Fans and loved ones of the star were left heartbroken after the news broke that Perry had died at his home in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles on Saturday.
The initial 911 call had been made just after 4PM on Saturday for a "water emergency" with numerous reports stating that actor had apparently drowned in a hot tub.
Perry's comments were flooded with messages from fans left devastated by the news, and his Friends co-stars have now shared a tribute of their own.
In a joint statement to People, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer paid tribute to Perry.
"We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family," their statement reads. "There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss."
"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."
The actor was best known for playing Chandler Bing in the sitcom, which ran from 1994 until 2004, alongside Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt Le Blanc, and Jennifer Aniston, having joined the cast at just 24 years old.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner also revealed that Perry's cause of death has been "deferred" as his initial autopsy results are inconclusive pending a toxicology report.
According to their report, via NBC News, a further investigation has been requested before a determination will be made - which can take several weeks - but stated that his body is ready to be released to his family.
Perry's family also shared a statement following his death, telling People: "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."
As well as playing the much-loved Chandler Bing on Friends, Perry also starred in many other notable film and TV projects including The West Wing, 17 Again, Boys Will Be Boys, and Scrubs.
He had been open about his struggles with addiction over the years, which included a near-death experience in 2019 after his colon burst due to opioid use.
In one of his final interviews around the release of his memoir Friends, Lovers, And The Big Terrible Thing, which came out last year, Perry revealed that he would like to be remembered for the work he did to help others beat addiction over and above his fame for Friends.
Speaking in an interview with Tim Power as part of the press tour for the book, Perry revealed: "I would like to be remembered as somebody who lived well, loved well, was a seeker and his paramount thing is that he wants to help people...That's what I want."
Our thoughts remain with Matthew Perry's family, friends, and fans during this heartbreaking time.
Featured image credit: Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
