The identity of the woman spotted with Matthew Perry just a day before his untimely demise has been unveiled as Athenna Crosby, a 25-year-old model and entertainment reporter. Crosby took to Instagram on Tuesday to reveal her connection with the late actor and express her grief at the tragic loss.
In a heartfelt statement shared via her Instagram Stories, accompanied by a black-and-white image of Perry, Crosby acknowledged being among the last individuals to speak to the renowned “Friends” star before his passing. While initially hesitant to speak about their interaction publicly, she emphasized her privilege of personally knowing Perry and expressed deep devastation upon learning of his death. She highlighted the importance of redirecting attention to Perry’s legacy, acknowledging his deeply private nature and the respect she held for their friendship.
Acknowledging their friendship, Crosby noted, “But indeed, we were friends and I was one of the last people to speak to him and see him before he passed.”
Revealing insights into their final interaction, Crosby shared details of their lunch date at the Hotel Bel-Air just a day before Perry’s passing. She depicted Perry as being in “extremely good spirits,” exuding enthusiasm and discussing his future plans. She painted a picture of Perry as “happy and vibrant” during their conversation.
Encouraging fans and the public to refrain from premature speculation regarding Perry’s passing, Crosby emphasized that Perry was in a positive frame of mind and on the brink of a comeback in his career, underscoring his deserving of more time on Earth. Describing him as a legend and acknowledging the profound loss suffered by the entertainment industry, she concluded her tribute with a heartfelt “RIP.”
Photographs emerged of Perry and Crosby engaged in a conversation, depicting Perry’s focused and engaged demeanor during their meeting, barely touching his meal or drink, reported by TMZ.
The tragic discovery of Perry’s passing was made in his home in Los Angeles, where he was found deceased in his jacuzzi by his assistant, just a day after his lunch meeting with Crosby. Though no illegal drugs were found at the scene, prescription medications, including antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and a COPD medication, were present.
The autopsy conducted over the weekend has deferred specifying the cause of Perry’s death, awaiting toxicology results. However, law enforcement sources have indicated that his death was not a result of fentanyl or meth, as reported by TMZ.
His former co-stars from “Friends” shared their collective grief and expressed their profound loss in a joint statement to People, emphasizing their close bond as a family beyond their on-screen roles and expressing their thoughts and love for Perry’s family and friends during this distressing period.
