Matthew Perry's assistant has spoken out after it was confirmed that the star had passed away over the weekend.
On Saturday (October 28), authorities were called to the 54-year-old actor's home in the Pacific Palisades area in Los Angeles after reports of a "water emergency."
In a statement about the initial call-out, the Los Angeles Fire Department also revealed some further details about the devastating incident, stating that emergency responders found Perry "unconscious in a stand-alone jacuzzi" when they were called to his home over the weekend.
A spokesperson for the department told the outlet that "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," they added.
As of right now, Perry's cause of death has been "deferred" as his initial autopsy results are inconclusive pending a toxicology report, according to The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
In the wake of the unfortunate news, Perry's former assistant and friend Briana Brancato has taken to Instagram to remember the late star.
"I've expressed my deepest gratitude to him on numerous occasions, not only for guiding me into a career I cherish but also for allowing me to take care of him for 7 years," she wrote alongside a carousel of photos of the pair. "Along [with] the countless other experiences I'm thankful for. From witnessing him in his genius to sharing in his worldly adventures living around the world, he took me on a remarkable journey."
She continued: "My heart is heavy, but celebrating my memories is the most profound way to honor his legacy. I hope that up there, in the great beyond, Mattman is sending us signs. We truly need them. You'll forever be in my heart."
"I love you Matty," Brancato concluded.
Have a look at the post below:Other tributes have also been pouring in, most notably from Perry's Friends co-stars.
The star was best known for his portrayal of the sitcom's sarcastic funnyman Chandler Bing.
In a joint statement to PEOPLE, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt Le Blanc, and Jennifer Aniston stated that they were "so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew."
"We were more than just cast mates. We are a family," their statement continued. "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. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."
Friends co-creators/executive producers Marta Kauffman and David Crane as well as the director Kevin Bright also released a joint statement to address their grief upon hearing the tragic news.
"We will always cherish the joy, the light, the blinding intelligence he brought to every moment – not just to his work, but in life as well," the trio said as per Deadline, ending their tribute with a somber take on Friends' famous episode titles: "This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken."
Other famous faces also left heartfelt tributes for Perry including Salma Hayek, who starred alongside with him in the 1997 comedy Fools Rush In.
"Two days ago, I woke up to the shocking news that Matthew Perry is no longer with us. It’s taken me a couple of days to process this profound sadness," the 57-year-old actress wrote, sharing throwback photos of the pair and a screenshot of Perry's Instagram story in which he said he "loved" the movie he made with her.
"There is a special bond that happens when you share dreams with someone, and together you work towards them," she continued. "I was very moved last year when Matthew shared on his Instagram stories how much he loved Fools Rush In, and how he thought that that film we did together was probably his best movie."
The actress stated that she stayed in touch with Perry in the time since making the movie, saying: "Throughout the years, he and I found ourselves reminiscing about that meaningful time in our lives with a deep sense of nostalgia and gratitude.
"My friend, you are gone much too soon, but I will continue to cherish your silliness, your perseverance, and your lovely heart," she penned, "Farewell, sweet Matthew, we will never forget you."
Our thoughts and prayers are with Perry's loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
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