Chris Perry, Tragic Death of Groom Just Before Wedding in Durham, NC, Leaves Community Heartbroken
Chris Perry, a young groom-to-be from Durham, NC, tragically passed away on the eve of his 33rd birthday, leaving his family, friends, and fiancée in deep grief. He was set to marry Kristen Seidel at The Cotton Room on October 11, 2025, but those plans were suddenly shattered by his untimely death.
The loss has sent shockwaves through the community. Perry’s parents shared the heartbreaking news with WRAL, stating that Chris passed away unexpectedly, just weeks before what was meant to be a joyous occasion. In the midst of their grief, they were touched by the kindness of vendors, including a DJ, wedding planner, and photographer, who all refunded their deposits.
However, The Cotton Room has come under scrutiny for its decision to retain nearly $20,000 in deposits. The venue offered a partial refund of $11,000 to Perry’s fiancée if another booking was secured, but there were no takers. Despite facing public backlash, the venue emphasized the need to cover planning costs and operational commitments.
Perry and Seidel had been together for three years, and their future was full of promise. His obituary described the couple as deeply in love and looking forward to an incredible life together. The community continues to mourn this tragic loss, remembering Chris as a loving partner and a cherished member of their lives.