Friends co-stars 'utterly devastated' by Matthew Perry death as they issue joint statement

The cast of Friends have said they are “utterly devastated” by the death of their co-star Matthew Perry. A statement from Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer, reported by People magazine, said: “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family.

“There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.

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“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.”

Best known for playing witty and sarcastic Chandler Bing on the hit US sitcom, Perry died aged 54 on Saturday.

Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a radio call just after 4pm for a death investigation of a man in his 50s. Emergency services arrived at Perry's home in the early hours of after his aide returned to the property to find him unresponsive.

First responders rushed to the scene and attempted a 'water rescue' but efforts to save the actor were unsuccessful and he was declared dead. His body was found in a hot tub at his home, according to unnamed sources cited by the Los Angeles Times and celebrity website TMZ, which was the first to report the news.

In a statement to US publication People, Perry’s family said of the actors death: “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother."

On Sunday afternoon, Monday morning UK-time, the medical examiner updated Matthew Perry's