Luke Perry’s fatal stroke a warning for younger adults
LOS ANGELES: “Beverly Hills, 90210” star Luke Perry, just 52, died on Monday after suffering a massive stroke, which is a solemn reminder that a stroke can strike someone at any age.
“Although stroke often affects older individuals, it is not only a disease of the elderly.
“Luke Perry’s tragic death highlights the fact that stroke can affect middle-aged and young adults, even children,” said Dr Mitchell S.V. Elkind, chair of the American Stroke Association Advisory Committee, in a statement.
“In fact, there is evidence that stroke rates among young people are increasing in the United States, and this requires additional research.”
Regarding Perry’s death, his spokesperson Arnold Robinson said: “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.”
Perry rose to prominence in the early 1990s for his role as Dylan McKay in Beverly Hills, 90210. Following his role in the iconic drama series, he become something of a teen idol, leading to appearances in films including Joss Whedon’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer in 1992.
He found success later in his career as part of the main cast of Riverdale, which is currently in its third season.
It is unclear if Perry had begun filming on Season 4 of Riverdale, which is currently in production. He recently wrapped filming on a role in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, which is scheduled for release this July. The appearance will mark his final film role.
In response to heartbreaking news, fans and peers flooded social media with their love and support for his family. Among those to share their love for the actor were Molly Ringwald, Patricia Arquette, and Joss Whedon.