Matthew Perry’s Cause of Death Unveiled: Acute Effects of Ketamine’
The toxicology report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office attributes Matthew Perry’s death to the acute effects of ketamine.The exact manner in which ketamine was consumed is not identified. Perry’s demise, considered accidental, involved contributing factors such as drowning, coronary artery disease, and the impact of buprenorphine used for treating opioid use disorder.
Before his passing on October 28, 2023, Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety. The toxicology report indicates that the elevated levels of ketamine in his postmortem blood could lead to fatal outcomes due to cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression.
Authorities discovered Perry in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home around 4 p.m., with no signs of foul play or drugs at the scene. Initially responding to a cardiac arrest, first responders reported the absence of drugs, according to TMZ.
Known for his role as Chandler Bing on “Friends” in the ’90s and early 2000s, Perry starred in over 200 episodes across 10 seasons. Following his death, fellow “Friends” cast members, including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer, expressed profound grief and shared their condolences. Aniston mentioned texting with Perry on the day of his death, describing him as happy and healthy.
Courteney Cox posted a blooper video on Instagram, remembering Perry fondly and expressing gratitude for their time together. Matt LeBlanc shared sentiments of honor, recalling their cherished moments and emphasizing Perry’s freedom.
Matthew Perry had openly discussed his battles with alcohol and drug addiction throughout his career and published his memoir, “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing,” in 2022. In response to his death, the Matthew Perry Foundation was established to aid those dealing with addiction, reflecting his commitment to helping others facing similar struggles. Variety’s chief correspondent, Daniel D’Addario, noted Perry’s struggles, as described in his recent memoir, emphasizing the depth of the character he portrayed on “Friends.”
Matthew Perry passed away at the age of 54 on Saturday, discovered unconscious in a hot tub at his residence in Los Angeles. He was the eldest among six siblings, which includes five half-siblings.