Actor Matthew Perry ᴅɪᴇd from acute effects of ketamine, autopsy reveals

Matthew Perry, known for his role in the television show “Friends,” tragically passed away at the age of 54. The results of the autopsy, released on Friday, revealed that Perry’s cause of ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ was attributed to the acute effects of the anesthetic ketamine. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner also stated that Perry drowned in the heated end of his pool, although this was considered a secondary factor in his accidental ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ on October 28.

The autopsy report indicated that Perry’s coronary artery disease and the presence of buprenorphine, a medication used in the treatment of opioid use disorder, were contributing factors to his passing. Despite his previous struggles with drug addiction, Perry had reportedly been clean for 19 months leading up to his ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ.

According to the report, Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy to manage his depression and anxiety. His last treatment occurred approximately 1 1/2 weeks before his untimely demise. Prior to the incident, Perry had played pickleball and was discovered face down in the pool by his assistant, who had returned from running errands. The assistant informed investigators that Perry had not exhibited any health complaints, sickness, or recent signs of ᴀʟᴄᴏʜᴏʟ or drug use.

Throughout his life, Perry had been open about his battle with addiction, which began during his time on “Friends” in the 1990s. In his memoir published in 2022, he candidly discussed his struggles, stating, “I loved everything about the show but I was struggling with my addictions which only added to my sense of shame. I had a secret, and no one could know.”

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