Matthew Perry’s Death has been disclosed as the ‘acute effects of ketamine”.
Matthew Perry, famous for portraying Chandler Bing on “Friends,” passed away on October 28, 2023. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office reported that the cause of his death was the acute effects of ketamine, although the specific method of intake remains unknown. The toxicology report disclosed elevated levels of ketamine, leading to cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression. Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety. Additional factors in his passing included drowning, coronary artery disease, and the impact of buprenorphine used to treat opioid use disorder. Authorities discovered him in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home, and his death was deemed accidental. Perry gained widespread recognition for his role in “Friends,” appearing in over 200 episodes spanning 10 seasons.
The autopsy results indicate that Matthew Perry’s cause of death was associated with the effects of ketamine. Additionally, contributing factors to his accidental passing included coronary artery disease, the presence of the opioid-addiction medication buprenorphine in his system, and drowning.
The concentration of ketamine in Perry’s body had an impact on his heart rate and breathing, potentially causing him to lose consciousness before being found in the hot tub. The report does not specify the exact method of drug intake, but trace amounts of ketamine were found in his stomach, and there were no recent needle marks on his body.
Ketamine, described as a “dissociative anesthetic hallucinogen,” induces a feeling of detachment from pain, anxiety, and the environment. It can be administered through injection, mixed with liquids, inhaled as a powder, or smoked, according to information from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
The autopsy findings suggest that Matthew Perry may have been using ketamine on his own, not as part of supervised treatments.
Matthew Perry was getting ketamine treatments for his depression and anxiety, but his last known treatment was over a week before he passed away. The ketamine found in his system during the autopsy was taken after that last treatment.
Matthew Perry’s death occurred a year after he wrote a book about his struggles with addiction to prescription painkillers and alcohol. Before his passing, he had been sober for 19 months.
When investigators examined the place where Matthew Perry died, they didn’t find any alcohol, illegal drugs, or drug-related items. They did find vaping products and an inhaler in his living room. In the refrigerator, there were injectables for diabetes and nicotine lollipops.
Matthew Perry had quit smoking two weeks before his death, and he was taking medications for weight loss and receiving testosterone shots. The autopsy found no traces of alcohol, cocaine, heroin, or other illegal drugs.
Matthew Perry played pickleball just before he passed away, and a person who knew him said he seemed to be in good spirits when they last talked a few days before he died.
We’re deeply saddened by Matthew’s loss. More than just colleagues, we were like a family. There’s a lot to express, but right now, we need time to grieve and comprehend this unimaginable loss,” shared Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer, members of Matthew Perry’s “Friends” cast. “We’ll share more when we can. Currently, our thoughts and love are with Matty’s family, friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
Perry’s “Friends” co-stars also shared personal tributes. Aniston, in an exclusive statement to Variety, mentioned that she had exchanged texts with him on the day of his passing.
Matt LeBlanc shared on Instagram that the times he spent with Matthew Perry were some of his favorite moments. He expressed his honor in calling Perry a friend and mentioned he’ll always remember him with a smile. LeBlanc wished Perry to spread his wings and be free, adding a light-hearted note about the 20 dollars Perry owed him.
Matthew Perry, known for openly discussing his battles with alcohol and drugs, wrote a memoir called “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing” in 2022. Following his passing, the Matthew Perry Foundation was created to support people dealing with addiction.
In a tribute, Variety’s chief correspondent Daniel D’addario highlighted Perry’s struggles, as described in his recent memoir, and how his iconic role in “Friends” had a mix of humor and underlying sadness.
Overall, these messages and efforts are a way of remembering Matthew Perry and acknowledging the challenges he faced during his life.