Ellen DeGeneres Show Producer Matthew Wright's Cause of Death Revealed at 52

Matthew Wright, a producer who worked on“The Ellen DeGeneres Show”for 16 years, died on Oct. 30 at age 52, and his cause of death has now been confirmed. According to a death certificate obtained by People, Wright died of cardiopulmonary arrest, with hypertension as the underlying cause and obstructive sleep apnea and Class II obesity listed as contributing factors. He worked on the show from 2006 until it ended in 2022 and was known to viewers for his recurring“Strong Opinions with Matt”segment.

Ellen DeGeneres paid tribute to Wright on Instagram on Nov. 2, calling him“smart”and“kind”and saying“everyone loved him.”She also shared old clips of his segment. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe set up for Wright’s husband Justin revealed that both men had been laid off this summer, adding another layer to an already heartbreaking story.

DeGeneres donated $5,000 to the fundraiser, which had a $50,000 goal, and the internet quickly turned it into a debate about celebrity giving. The GoFundMe has since surpassed its goal thanks to nearly 400 donations from supporters. It’s a story touching on grief, health, job loss and the complicated legacy of a daytime staple. What do you think about the way this conversation has unfolded online?