Luke Perry's fiancee during his sudden death: "The last 11 and a half years spent with Luke were the happiest"

Los Angeles: Luke Perry's fiancée, Wendy Madison Bauer, thanked the fans for "the outpouring of love and support" after the sudden death of the actor. Bauer, 44, had been secretly seeing Perry for almost 12 years and was with him when he passed away. Perry died Monday at the age of 52, five days after suffering a severe stroke.

"I wish to express my gratitude to everyone for the outpouring of love and support," said Bauer, quoted by people.com. "The innumerable comforting stories of Luke's generosity and kindness have been a great source of comfort during this difficult time." "The last 11 years with Luke have been the happiest years of my life, and I'm grateful to have had this time with him," she continued.

"I would also like to thank his children, his family and his friends for their love and support, we have comforted ourselves and we know that our lives have been touched by an extraordinary man and he will be sorely missed."

Perry and Bauer, 44, have kept their relationship largely private. Although they do not know when they got engaged, the couple walked together in April 2017 for the GLAAD Media Awards. In 2003, Perry was friendly with Rachel Sharp, mother of her 21-year-old son, Jack old daughter Sophie.