Riverdale actor Luke Perry died at the age of 52 in March this year after suffering a stroke. The actor had been a staple on The CW teen drama as Fred Andrews, the father to main character Archie (played by KJ Apa). Luke died while filming was taking place, leading to production to shutting down out of respect. The producers made the decision to address Luke’s death in season four rather than the third outing.
How did Fred Andrews die in Riverdale?
WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Riverdale season 4, episode 1
Riverdale season four saw the town in mourning for Fred Andrews after his family learnt he’d died suddenly.
His son Archie was struck hard by the loss and wanted revenge against those responsible.
Archie got a phone call while he was at Pop’s diner and was told his father had died in a hit-and-run accident near Cherry Creek while he was out and about.
Fred was hit by a car while he was helping a woman (Shannen Doherty) who’d broken down at the side of the road.
READ MORE: Riverdale season 4 Netflix release date, cast, trailer, plot
The woman’s tyre had burst and Fred had been the only one to pull over as she stood by the edge of the road.
Sadly, while helping her, Fred was mowed down by a speeding car – the woman was with him when he died.
Town sheriff FP Jones (Skeet Ulrich) informed Archie that they’d found out who the car had belonged to and would be bringing the man to justice.
However, a grief-stricken Archie took matters into his own hands and tracked down the culprit after finding his address in the phonebook.
READ MORE: Riverdale season 4, episode 2 promo: What will happen next?
As the high school student proceeded to beat up the man, he was stopped when he discovered that it was his teenage son Jeffrey (Ryan Grantham) who’d been behind the wheel.
Jeffrey confessed to Archie that he’d taken the car without permission when the accident occurred.
His father had covered for him and taken the fall, so his son wouldn’t pay the high price.
After hearing the story, Archie let go of the man, who rushed and hugged his son.
READ MORE: Riverdale season 4 streaming: How to watch online and download
As Archie watched the pair, he was left heartbroken knowing that he would never be able to hug his own father again.
Jeffrey’s admission also made Archie realise that it had all been a terrible mistake by a child and quickly left the house.
Speaking about Fred’s death, Riverdale’s showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa told TV Line: “Very early on, we landed on the idea that Fred should have a heroic death.”
He added: “It felt like that’s a way Fred could’ve gone.”
The producer also reflected on the inclusion of Luke’s Beverley Hills 90210 co-star Shannen Doherty, who plays the woman who Fred helps.
He said: “Over the seasons, Luke and I had talked a lot about trying to get Shannen on the show, and the timing never worked out.
“Rather than have another actor play [this role], we thought it would be nice if it were someone he cared for in real life.
“And he cared so deeply about Shannen… She really wanted to be a part of it, from when we first talked to her about it.”
Riverdale season 4 drops weekly on Netflix on Thursdays at 8am
