Ellen DeGeneres Show EP Matthew Wright’s Cause of Death Revealed at 52

Death certificate details

A death certificate obtained by People says Wright died of cardiopulmonary arrest. It lists hypertension as the underlying cause, while obstructive sleep apnea and Class II obesity are named as contributing conditions.

Family asks for support

A fundraiser description said Wright’s husband, father, sister and niece were in New York and wanted to reunite for a proper goodbye. It also said Wright and his husband, Justin, had both been laid off that summer. The description cited unexpected expenses for bringing Wright home, arranging a funeral and holding a memorial as costs the family could not bear.

Colleagues remember Wright

Earlier this week, Ellen DeGeneres posted an emotional video remembering Wright. She described him as funny, smart and kind, and said he was central to the show’s family.

DeGeneres also spoke about Wright’s friendship with former Ellen DJ Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who died in 2022. She said she believed the two were together again, “dancing and laughing.” Andy Lassner, who worked with Wright, said on Instagram that he had seen him just hours before his death. Lassner called him a brilliant producer and a better human being, and expressed grief for Wright’s husband, family and friends.

Sixteen years on the show

Wright joined The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2006 and worked on it until the program ended in 2022. Over those 16 years, he rose to executive producer. He won nine Emmy Awards.