Luke Perry: Shocking Stroke

Image from CNN

Image from CNN

Amanda Mourelatos, Associate Editor-in-Chief

Luke Perry: Dylan McKay, Fred Andrews, Pike, Billy, and many other beloved movie characters. On Monday, March 4th, 2019, Coy Luther Perry III died at age 52 of a stroke at the Saint Joseph Medical Center. “I am absolutely heartbroken. Luke was a tremendous force in the lives of so many. He was a very sensitive soul who was kind, generous and he fought for the underdog. He was a strong voice and an advocate who will be so missed by all who knew him. He has left his mark – never to be forgotten. My heart goes out to his family, friends and fans around the globe,” said Gabrielle Carteris; she played Andrea Zuckerman in Beverly Hills 90210. Lili Reinhart, the actress of Betty Cooper in Riverdale, tweeted, “I’m finding it hard to grasp that he will no longer be around to give long hugs and share his wisdom and kindness with all of us. I’m thinking about his family. His children. I pray for them to heal and find peace in this devastating loss.”

Image from CNN

Strokes are the 2nd main reason for death in the U.S. and high blood pressure is one of the main causes of a stroke. Other things that put people at an even greater risk include smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and other cardiovascular diseases. Mitchell S. V. Elkind, chair of the American Stroke Association Advisory Committee, said, “Although stroke often affects older individuals, it is not only a disease of the elderly.” Studies in 2017 found that 15% of ischemic strokes, or when blood vessels are blocked by fatty deposits and blood can’t reach the brain, are to adolescents and young adults.

Image from CNN

Luke Perry was loved and will be remembered by many. May he rest peacefully and may his family, fans, and loved ones heal from this tragedy.