As the world mourns the unexpected loss of Matthew Perry, creators of the hit TV series Friends released a statement about the 54-year-old actor’s death.

In a statement provided to Deadline, co-creators/executive producers Mara Kauffman and David Crane, as well as executive producer/director Kevin Bright, praised Matthew Perry for making the Friends character, Chandler Bing, his own. “We will always cherish the joy, the light, the blinding intelligence he brought to every moment,” the trio shared. “Not just to his work, but in life as well.”

Kauffman, Crane, and Bright ended their tribute to Perry with a somber Friends title. “This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken.” 

As previously reported, Friends star Matthew Perry was found dead in his home on Saturday (October 28th). Authorities discovered the actor in a jacuzzi after they responded to a call for a cardiac arrest incident. Perry’s death was announced later that day.

TMZ further reported that authorities did not find any illicit drugs in Perry’s home. They discovered anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, and COPD medications in the late Friends star’s home. The LA County Coroner has already started its investigation and will be conducting a toxicology exam to determine what drugs were in the actor’s system. However, this test can take months to be completed. Authorities also confirmed that no foul play is suspected.

Prior to his death, Matthew Perry reportedly enjoyed two hours of pickleball at Riviera, which is near the Friends actor’s home in Pacific Palisades. It was noted that Perry was in “good spirits” while playing pickleball. Following the game, Perry sent his assistant out to run some errands. Unfortunately, when the assistant returned to his home two hours later, they discovered the late actor unresponsive in the jacuzzi. 

Matthew Perry’s Pickleball Coach Says the ‘Friends’ Star Had a ‘Heart of Gold’ 

Matt Manasse, Matthew Perry’s pickleball coach, spoke to People about the Friends star shortly after the news broke. Manasse notably knew Perry for two years and said that he used pickleball as an outlet and tool to help his sobriety journey. 

“He thought it was something that could help with his recovery,” Manasse explained. “And he was doing an awesome job. He loved it. He came out five times a week, would always talk about it.”

Manasseh also said that Matthew Perry got so much better at the sport and always made everyone laugh at the club. “He was competitive, just a genuine, good guy – caring for everybody.” 

Manasse went on to add that it wasn’t surprising that Perry had been on the court playing hours before his death. He was also told that the actor was doing really well.