Matthew Perry’s family has spoken out for the first time since the Friends star’s tragic death nearly a year ago.
Perry died from the “acute effects of ketamine,” with drowning, coronary artery disease, and effects from buprenorphine listed as contributing factors.
In an emotional interview with NBC’s Today Show, Perry’s mother Suzanne Morrison revealed that her son seemed to have had a premonition of his impending fate.
Perry had a poignant conversation with his mother shortly before his death, and told her: “I love you so much and I’m so happy to be with you now.”
Morrison now believes his words were “almost as though it was a premonition of something”, before elaborating on her son’s state of mind, adding: “I think there was something… there was an inevitability to what was going to happen next to him, and he felt it very strongly.”
She added that Perry had told her, “I’m not frightened anymore,” which worried her at the time.
It has been almost a year since the star died at his home in LA
PA
The actor’s stepfather, Keith Morrison, also spoke about the family’s shock at Perry’s sudden passing.
He told HELLO! Canada: “When [Matthew] suddenly died, it was incredibly shocking… anybody who has lost a child will tell you that, even if you are in some way prepared for the possibility, it’s shattering.”
In the wake of Perry’s passing, his family launched the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada to continue his legacy of helping those struggling with addiction.
Perry’s younger sister, Caitlin Morrison, now serves as the executive director of the foundation.
Perry shared a sweet image with his father in the months before his death
Caitlin also told HELLO! Canada that her work allows her to feel as though she’s “sitting right next to Matthew, working with him every day on something that was important to him.”
The foundation aims to support individuals who have completed detox and are seeking stable housing, food, and further counselling. It will also offer job training and placement services.
Keith emphasised that Perry “would like to be remembered for doing something to help people suffering from addiction,” with the family’s efforts reflecting their determination to honour Perry’s memory.
Caitlin reflected on her brother’s charisma and added to the same publication: “When people were in a room with [Matthew], there was this magnetic energy. Everybody just had a smile on their face and they clung to everything that he said.”
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Matthew Perry found his fame starring as Chandler Bing in the sitcom Friends
PA
The family’s efforts to honour Perry’s memory come amidst ongoing investigations into the circumstances of his death.
In August, the US Department of Justice revealed that their inquiry had exposed a “broad underground criminal network” which allegedly took advantage of Perry’s addiction issues.
Five individuals, including two doctors and Perry’s personal live-in assistant, had been arrested in connection with his death.