Matthew Perry, the iconic star of “Friends,” met an untimely end due to the “acute effects of ketamine,” as revealed by the recent toxicology report from the Los Angeles County medical examiner. The beloved actor, aged 54, was discovered unresponsive in the heated end of his pool on October 28, setting in motion a series of events that led to his accidental death. The autopsy report, while ruling out foul play, cites the “acute effects of ketamine” as the primary cause, coupled with contributing factors such as “drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine effects.”
Perry’s last moments were marked by a morning game of pickleball, followed by his return home, only to be found lifeless by his assistant who had gone out briefly. Despite being pronounced dead by the police at 4:17 p.m., Perry’s journey continued posthumously as his body was transported to the Forensic Science Center in the early hours of October 29.
The actor, known for his portrayal of Chandler Bing, had a longstanding battle with addiction, although he had reportedly remained clean for 19 months leading up to his demise. Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety, with the last session taking place just a week and a half before his passing. Witnesses attested to his positive response to treatment and upbeat spirits during this period.
Ketamine, FDA-approved as an anesthetic since the 1970s, carries both potential benefits and risks. While research suggests its effectiveness in medically-supervised depression and anxiety treatment, the drug is also known for its dissociative effects and association with hallucinations, commonly seen in nightclub and party scenes. The toxicology report indicates trace amounts of ketamine in Perry’s stomach, but significantly elevated levels in his blood (3.54 micrograms per milliliter), leading investigators to conclude that his cause of death was not linked to prior infusion therapy.
Perry’s rise to stardom on “Friends” immortalized him as Chandler Bing, a character cherished for his eccentricities and unique personality. In his 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing,” Perry candidly shared his struggles with addiction, emphasizing the importance of understanding it as a disease and urging those affected to seek help without self-blame. As fans mourn the loss of a beloved actor, the circumstances surrounding his tragic end shed light on the complexities of his personal journey.
