PremiumMatthew Perry’s autopsy reveals ‘accidental death’ from acute effects of ketamine
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office revealed that Perry aka Chandler Bing died from “acute effects of ketamine.” The 54-year-old actor passed away on October 28
Matthew Perry
Last Updated: 08.17 AM, Dec 16, 2023
Matthew Perry’s sudden demise shook everyone and there were various speculations surrounding his cause of death with the delay in autopsy reports deferring the actual cause. On Friday, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office revealed that Perry aka Chandler Bing died from “acute effects of ketamine.” Drowning, coronary artery disease, and other factors contributed to his accidental death on October 28.
Friends star Matthew Perry's autopsy report
The Friends alum passed away at the age of 54 in a Jacuzzi at his LA home where his assistant found him unconscious. In the autopsy report, Perry’s death is ruled out as an accident with no signs of any foul play.
Drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine (used to treat opioid addiction) were among the contributing factors to his untimely death.
The report also mentioned that Perry was on ketamine infusion therapy (Ketamine is a recreational, anesthetic drug) for the treatment of alleged depression and anxiety. His last therapy session was somewhere between one and a half weeks prior to his demise. However, it is noticeable that the ketomine found in his system at the time of death couldn’t possibly be from infusion therapy as the drug has a short life span of only 3-4 hours or even less.
“At the high levels of ketamine found in his postmortem blood specimens, the main lethal effects would be from both cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression,” as per the autopsy extract obtained by Hollywood Reporter.
The NBC sitcom Friends had an ensemble star cast featuring Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, and Lisa Kudrow. The castmates also expressed deep sorrow and penned heartfelt tributes for their “friend” on social media.
The late actor was quite vocal about his struggles with over a decade-long history of alcohol and prescription drug abuse in his memoir. His legacy to help others via the Mathew Perry Foundation is being carried forward by close friends and families.