Matthew Perry’s body to be released to his family following initial post-mortem

Matthew Perry’s body is ready to be released to his family following an initial post-mortem.

The beloved actor, best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the sitcom Friends, passed away at his home in Los Angeles on Saturday (28 October). He was just 54.

The Friends star's death was treated as a 'water rescue', according to a Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson.

In a statement, Perry's devastated family said: "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."

Perry’s initial post-mortem results are inconclusive - meaning his cause of his death is yet to be determined.

NBC

Further investigations have been requested, including a toxicology report.

According to NBC News, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has released a report stating that an official conclusion is unlikely to be released for ‘several weeks’, but that Perry’s body is ready to be released to his grieving family.

The actor shot to fame after appearing in Friends, starring alongside David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow as the sitcom skyrocketed to become one of the most watched and beloved TV series of all time.

Tributes have flooded in for the late actor, including a statement from NBC - the network which aired Friends - that read: “We are incredibly saddened by the too soon passing of Matthew Perry.

“He brought so much joy to hundreds of millions of people around the world with his pitch-perfect comedic timing and wry wit. His legacy will live on through countless generations."

HBO Max

Maggie Wheeler, who played Janice Hosenstein on Friends, shared a photo of the pair to Instagram, writing: "What a loss. The world will miss you Mathew Perry.

"The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on.

"I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was friends with the actor in their school days, writing on X: “Matthew Perry’s passing is shocking and saddening.

"I’ll never forget the schoolyard games we used to play, and I know people around the world are never going to forget the joy he brought them.

“Thanks for all the laughs, Matthew. You were loved – and you will be missed.”