Family of Late Ellen DeGeneres Producer Matthew Wright Issues Plea to Bring Body Home

The family of Matthew Wright, a former producer on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, has issued an urgent public appeal to help cover the costs of returning his body home to New York after his death in Los Angeles at age 52. Wright passed away on Friday, leaving behind his husband, Justin, alongside his father, sister, and niece who are based in New York.

To manage the unexpected expenses, a GoFundMe campaign was established on Monday with a target of $50,000, which has already been reached. According to details shared on the fundraiser page, the family needed financial support to reunite Wright with his loved ones for a proper goodbye. The campaign organizers noted that Wright and his husband had experienced recent layoffs over the summer, compounding the financial strain of the unexpected tragedy.

Donations gathered through the effort are designated to cover the costs of transporting Wright back to New York, arranging a New York funeral, and organizing a memorial service in Los Angeles. The organizers stated that any remaining funds exceeding the necessary costs would be directed toward supporting his grieving family during the difficult transition.

Several notable figures connected to the long-running daytime talk show contributed to the financial campaign. Andy Lassner, who served as an executive producer on the program, donated $1,000 to the fundraiser. Additionally, Allison Holker, the widow of the show's late resident DJ Stephen "tWitch" Boss, contributed $500 to assist the family.

Ellen DeGeneres, who worked alongside Wright for 16 years during her program's run, contributed $5,000 to the fundraiser. While the comedian's donation drew varied reactions across social media from observers discussing the amount, DeGeneres also posted an emotional tribute video on Instagram to honor her late colleague.

In her video message shared on Monday, DeGeneres expressed deep sorrow over the sudden passing. She described Wright as an amazing, smart, and kind individual who frequently brought laughter and unexpected surprises to the workplace. Calling the loss shocking, she shared video clips featuring Wright appearing on camera with her during their years working together on television.

The outpouring of tributes from former colleagues highlighted Wright's long tenure behind the scenes of the daytime program and the lasting impact he left on those he worked with. The family's campaign continues to draw support from individuals wishing to assist with the memorial and transportation costs.

The successful fundraising campaign ensures that Wright's family can move forward with reuniting him with his husband and relatives in New York. As loved ones and colleagues process the sudden loss, the documented contributions and tributes reflect the profound connection Wright forged throughout his career in television production.