It is with great sadness that we share the final findings from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office regarding the death of Matthew Perry, the beloved star of Friends. The official report reveals that his passing was primarily due to the “acute effects of ketamine,” a potent sedative known for its serious impact on the body.
Factors Contributing to His Death
In addition to ketamine, the report identifies other contributing factors, including drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication commonly used for treating opioid use disorder. The medical examiner concluded that the manner of death was accidental, highlighting the tragic nature of the circumstances surrounding Perry’s demise.
Circumstances of Discovery
At the age of 54, Perry was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Pacific Palisades residence on Saturday, October 28. Initially, the Medical Examiner’s Office listed the cause of death as ‘deferred.’ However, further examination revealed Perry’s medical history, which included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/emphysema and diabetes. Despite previously battling substance abuse, he had been sober for 19 months prior to his death. Notably, he had been receiving ketamine infusion therapy and had undergone treatment just over a week before his tragic passing.
The Impact of Ketamine
The autopsy findings indicate that the elevated levels of ketamine in Perry’s system likely contributed to excessive stimulation of his heart and respiratory issues, leading to his drowning. The report also mentions that buprenorphine and other opioids can lead to respiratory depression, complicating his health condition. Ketamine has the potential to increase blood pressure, and in conjunction with Perry’s pre-existing heart disease, it significantly exacerbated the effects on his cardiovascular system.
The autopsy revealed that Perry had substantial ketamine levels, measuring 3540 ng/ml in peripheral blood and 3271 ng/ml in central blood—levels typically observed during monitored anesthesia.
Reaction from Co-Stars and Legacy
Ultimately, Perry’s death was deemed accidental, resulting from a combination of ketamine use, drowning, heart disease, and buprenorphine effects. Importantly, no evidence of foul play was found, and there were no prescription medications or drug paraphernalia discovered near the hot tub or pool.
In the aftermath of this heartbreaking news, Perry’s Friends co-stars—Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, and David Schwimmer—expressed their deep sorrow in a joint statement. They emphasized their profound connection, stating, “We are more than just cast mates. We are family.” The cast has requested time to process this unimaginable loss while extending their condolences to Perry’s family, friends, and the countless fans who cherished him.
Matthew Perry’s enduring legacy as an integral part of Friends, where he appeared in every episode during its ten-season run from 1994 to 2004, has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His remarkable talent and warmth will be remembered by fans around the world.
