On Wednesday, Sophie Perry, the 18-year-old daughter of Luke Perry, spoke out about the death of her beloved actor father on social media.
"A lot has happened in this past week for me," Sophie, who is the only daughter and youngest child of the actor, wrote on Instagram Tuesday. "Everything is happening so fast. I made it back from Malawi just in time to be here with my family, And in the past 24 hours I have received an overwhelming amount of love and support."
According to Sophie, she's received hundreds of "beautiful and heartfelt messages," about her father. Though she cannot respond to them all, she wanted everyone to know, "I see them, and appreciate you all for sending positivity to my family and I."
She added, "I’m not really sure what to say or do in this situation, it’s something you aren’t ever given a lesson on how to handle, especially when it’s all happening in the public eye. So bear with me and know that I am grateful for all the love. Just, being grateful quietly."
Sophie isn't the only person to share her love and admiration for Perry following his passing. His co-stars from the hit '90s show 90210 also mourned the star on social media.
“I’m struggling with this loss and am having a hard time with my thoughts,” Shannon Doherty, Perry's love interest in the show, wrote in an emotional Instagram post Tuesday. “Processing this is impossible right now.”
Jennie Garth, another 90210 alum, told People, “My heart is broken. He meant so much to so many. Such a very special person. I share my deep sadness with his family and all who loved him. Such a terrible loss.”
Perry died on Monday after suffering a massive stroke at the age of 52. According to reports, he was surrounded by his two children, Sophie and Jack, along with his girlfriend, ex-wife, friends, and extended family at the time of his passing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 800,000 Americans have strokes each year, and an estimated 140,000 of those cases are fatal.
As the CDC notes, signs of a stroke include the following things happening suddenly:
- Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg—especially on one side.
- Difficulty walking.
- Difficulty talking or understanding speech.
- Difficulty seeing.
- Severe headache.
If you or someone around you appears to be suffering from any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.
