Riverdale Shuts Down Production After Luke Perry’s Death: 'We Are Deeply Saddened'
Production on Riverdale has been halted in the wake of Luke Perry‘s sudden death.
The hit CW show shut down production for the day on Monday after Perry died following a massive stroke, PEOPLE has learned. Production remained suspended Tuesday, according to Entertainment Weekly.
In a statement to PEOPLE, series executive producers Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Jon Goldwater said the cast and crew are “deeply saddened” by the loss of Perry.
RELATED: Ian Ziering, Molly Ringwald and More Stars Mourn Luke Perry’s Death: ‘My Heart Is Broken’
“We are deeply saddened to learn today about the passing of Luke Perry. A beloved member of the ‘Riverdale,’ Warner Bros. and CW family, Luke was everything you would hope he would be: an incredibly caring, consummate professional with a giant heart, and a true friend to all. A father figure and mentor to the show’s young cast, Luke was incredibly generous, and he infused the set with love and kindness. Our thoughts are with Luke’s family during this most difficult time.”
Perry starred as Archie’s (KJ Apa) dad, Fred Andrews, on the CW show. He joined the show during the first season and has appeared in almost every episode. Riverdale is currently in its third season.
Perry was hospitalized on Feb. 27 after paramedics were dispatched to his home in Sherman Oaks, California. A source tells PEOPLE he never regained consciousness. The actor remained “under observation” for five days but died on Monday, March 4. He was 52.
RELATED: Luke Perry Had Complicated Feelings About Being a Teen Idol: ‘I’m a Simple Guy’
“Actor Luke Perry, 52, passed away today after suffering a massive stroke,” Perry’s rep told PEOPLE in a statement. “He was surrounded by his children Jack and Sophie, fiancé Wendy Madison Bauer, ex-wife Minnie Sharp, mother Ann Bennett, step-father Steve Bennett, brother Tom Perry, sister Amy Coder, and other close family and friends. The family appreciates the outpouring of support and prayers that have been extended to Luke from around the world, and respectfully request privacy in this time of great mourning. No further details will be released at this time.”
In lieu of flowers, the Perry family ask that donations be made to Fight Colorectal Cancer and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
