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

Death certificate details

Wright died in Los Angeles on Oct. 30, aged 52. A death certificate obtained by People identifies cardiopulmonary arrest as his cause of death and hypertension as the underlying cause. The certificate also lists obstructive sleep apnea and Class II obesity as contributing conditions.

Tributes from colleagues

Earlier this week, Ellen DeGeneres remembered Wright in an emotional Instagram video. She called him funny, smart and kind, and said he was the glue of the show’s family.

DeGeneres also recalled Wright’s close friendship with former show DJ Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who died in 2022. She said she believed the two were together again, “dancing and laughing.” Andy Lassner, another colleague from the show, said he had seen Wright just hours before his death. Lassner called him “a brilliant producer” and said his heart broke for Wright’s husband, Justin, family and friends.

Family seeks support

A fundraiser description says Wright’s husband, father, sister and niece were in New York and hoped to reunite for a proper goodbye. It asks his friends to help the family.

The description says Wright and Justin had both been laid off that summer. It cites the costs of bringing Wright home, a funeral and a memorial as expenses the family could not bear.

Sixteen years on the show

Wright joined The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2006 and remained with it until the program ended in 2022. Over 16 years, he advanced to executive producer. He won nine Emmys during his career.