Matthew Perry had prescription medication at home when he died – but no illegal narcotics

The late Friends icon Matthew Perry was in possession of just prescription medication at the time of his death.

To the shock of the world, Matthew, 54, was found unresponsive in the hot tub at his Los Angeles property on Saturday afternoon, with cause of death still being investigated. However, TMZ reports that nothing other than anti-depressants, anti-anxiety pills and a COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) drug were discovered there – the latter used by people suffering from emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

He was a smoker while also openly battling opiate and alcohol addiction for years.

In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, the actor's family wrote: "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."

Also reacting to this tragic news with Warner Bros. TV, which produced Friends.

"We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry," a spokesperson shared. "Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family. The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many.

"This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans."

Meanwhile, a close friend of Matthew's went on to tell The Daily Mail: "Everyone is in a total state of shock. People are crying on the phone and struggling to accept this news.

"It's no secret that he struggled with drugs and alcohol for years but the last time I spoke to him, which was within the last few weeks, he seemed to be in a good place. He was upbeat and sounded sober and positive. He'd been to rehab 17 times and nearly died from opioid abuse but he was someone who was sincere about taking his life, and his sobriety, one day at a time.

"It's such tragic news. Everyone is praying he didn't relapse. Matt was a genuinely lovely guy. He was always the first to welcome newcomers to the group and would always volunteer to help and be of service. We are all struggling to come to terms with this terrible news."

Matthew, who played Friends' beloved wisecracker Chandler Bing opposite Courteney Cox's Monica Geller, David Schwimmer's Ross Gellar, Matt Le Blanc's Joey Tribbiani, Jennifer Aniston's Rachel Green and Lisa Kudrow's Phoebe Buffay, previously got candid on his addiction in the 2022 memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.

While promoting it, he told interviewer Tom Power: "It's fine when you're doing fine but when you're not doing fine it's one of the most awful things in the world.

"You have to lie and pretend that you're doing well and you don't even understand why you have to do that. Fame does some great things but it doesn't always make you happy – you want an on-off button."

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