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The death of Matthew Perry - Chandler from Friends - saw an outpouring of grief worldwide. None perhaps more so than from his former colleagues - the other five 'Friends' themselves as well as other co-stars.
The cast of Friends put out a statement, reading: “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew,” the five actors said. “We were more than just castmates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss. In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
Losing a work colleague either suddenly or through long-term illness can have a huge impact on staff, individually and as a group. It's an emotional and practical experience which has daily and long-term impact and one that, as an HR professional, you will most likely experience during your career.
It might be that you have already experienced this - and there is always more to learn, depending on the circumstances of the loss.
