In a saddening revelation, the toxicology report on beloved “Friends” star Matthew Perry discloses that his cause of death was the “acute effects of ketamine.” The Los Angeles County medical examiner released the autopsy report on Friday, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Perry’s untimely demise at the age of 54.
The report states that Perry was found unresponsive in the heated end of his pool on October 28, with the cause of death deemed accidental and no signs of foul play suspected. The primary factor cited is the “acute effects of ketamine,” with additional contributors listed as “drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine effects” (buprenorphine being a medication for opioid use disorder).
Perry, who had been clean for 19 months after years of struggling with addiction, had engaged in a game of pickleball the morning of his death. Witnesses reported that he returned home two hours later, and his assistant, who last saw him alive before running errands, discovered him lifeless upon returning.
Despite Perry’s recent positive response to ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety, trace amounts of ketamine in his stomach and elevated levels in his blood (3.54 micrograms per milliliter) raised questions about the manner in which he ingested the drug. The report notes the uncertainty surrounding how this occurred.
The actor’s history of addiction was well-documented, including his 19 months of sobriety leading up to his passing. Perry had been candid about his struggles in his memoir, “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing,” released the previous year.
Experts highlight the dual nature of ketamine, approved by the FDA as an anesthetic since the 1970s but known for its dissociative effects and risks, such as hallucinations. The DEA warns of potential overdose consequences, including unconsciousness and slowed breathing.
Matthew Perry’s legacy remains intertwined with his iconic role as Chandler Bing on “Friends,” where his eccentricity and quirky personality made him a fan favorite throughout the show’s 10-season run from 1994 to 2004. His candid discussions about addiction aimed to destigmatize the disease, emphasizing the importance of seeking help rather than blaming oneself.
“In the spirit of Matthew Perry’s enduring commitment to helping others struggling with the disease of addiction, we embark on a journey to honor his legacy by establishing the Matthew Perry Foundation, guided by his own words and experiences, and driven by his passion for making a difference in as many lives as possible,” the foundation’s inaugural statement read.
