Matthew Wright Cause of Death Revealed After The Ellen DeGeneres Show Producer Dies at 52
Matthew Wright, a television producer who spent 16 years working on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, died from cardiopulmonary arrest on October 30 at the age of 52, according to his death certificate obtained by People and reported by Seher.
The death certificate lists hypertension as an underlying cause, with Class II obesity and obstructive sleep apnea cited as contributing conditions. The National Institutes of Health defines cardiopulmonary arrest as the cessation of adequate heart function and respiration.
Colleagues Pay Emotional Tributes to the Late Producer
Host Ellen DeGeneres posted a tearful video tribute recalling her late colleague’s humor and warmth. She shared that they had been working on a new project together before his sudden passing, noting that he and the late Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who died by suicide in 2022, were close friends.
“He was an amazing guy, he was funny, god he made me laugh,” DeGeneres said in her video statement. “He was smart, he was kind, he was part of our show. Everyone loved him.” She added that Wright would always remain the glue of the show’s family.
Fellow producer Andy Lassner also shared his grief on Instagram on November 1, revealing that he had spoken with Wright just hours before he died while working from home. “We are all in shock. He was a brilliant producer and an even better human being,” Lassner wrote.
GoFundMe Campaign Launched for Family Expenses
A GoFundMe fundraising page was established to help Wright’s family cover unexpected funeral expenses, memorial costs, and travel expenses to reunite his husband, father, sister, and niece in New York. The page update noted that both Wright and his husband, Justin, had been laid off from their jobs over the summer, leaving the household facing severe financial strain.
The campaign organizers stated that Wright died peacefully in his sleep. While DeGeneres contributed $5,000 to the fundraiser, the donation drew criticism on social media from users questioning the size of the contribution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew Wright’s Passing
What caused Matthew Wright’s death?
According to his death certificate obtained by People, Wright died from cardiopulmonary arrest, with hypertension listed as an underlying cause and obesity and sleep apnea as contributing factors.
How long did Matthew Wright work with Ellen DeGeneres?
Wright spent 16 years working as a producer behind the scenes on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Where was Matthew Wright when he died?
According to the fundraising campaign created for his family, Wright died while working from home on October 30.
Related reading