In December 2023, the autopsy report of Matthew Perry, who passed away in October 2023, revealed that the actor died at the age of 54 due to the “acute effects of ketamine.” The LA County Medical Examiner’s Office reported that drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine effects were listed as other contributing factors to his death. Despite Perry undergoing ketamine treatment for anxiety and depression, the ketamine found in his system at the time of death could not have been from that therapy due to its half-life of three to four hours. The report revealed that it was likely Perry had obtained ketamine illegally for recreational use.
Law enforcement officials are still investigating Perry’s death and focusing on where he may have procured the drug. Local police and federal agents have questioned individuals with a history of drug abuse for any potential information regarding Perry’s source of ketamine. While no arrests have been made, authorities are actively working to piece together the details surrounding the circumstances of Perry’s death. The investigation is ongoing as officials seek to determine the origin of the ketamine found in Perry’s system before his passing in order to establish a clearer picture of the events leading up to his death.
Following Perry’s death, the Los Angeles Police Department informed People in January that they were no longer investigating the case and that it was closed. Despite the conclusion of the police investigation, the circumstances surrounding Perry’s death and the presence of ketamine in his system remain under scrutiny. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner also closed the case, but the ongoing interest in the details and potential sources of the ketamine indicates that the matter is not entirely resolved.
Matthew Perry’s former “Friends” co-stars have continued to pay tribute to him since his passing, with David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and Courteney Cox releasing a joint statement in his honor. Cox shared with viewers on “CBS Sunday Morning” that she still feels Perry’s presence, stating that she senses him around her. The enduring bond and friendship between the “Friends” cast members are evident as they remember and honor Perry, keeping his memory alive in their hearts and through public statements.
The possibility that Perry obtained ketamine illegally for recreational use has raised concerns among medical professionals and experts. Dr. Bankole Johnson emphasized that it would be questionable medicine and a dangerous combination to provide ketamine to someone also using buprenorphine, a synthetic opioid used in addiction treatment. The potential risks associated with misusing ketamine and combining it with other substances illustrate the importance of understanding the circumstances surrounding Perry’s access to the drug, as well as the potential implications for others who may engage in similar behavior.
As the investigation into Matthew Perry’s death continues, the details surrounding his passing and the presence of ketamine in his system remain a significant focus of law enforcement officials and medical experts. The efforts to determine the source of the ketamine and establish a clearer timeline of events leading up to Perry’s death demonstrate the ongoing commitment to understanding the circumstances surrounding the actor’s passing. Despite the closure of the police investigation and coroner’s case, the unanswered questions regarding Perry’s access to ketamine and the potential implications of recreational drug use underline the need for continued vigilance and awareness in addressing substance abuse issues.
