Annie Walton Doyle
The Los Angeles Police Department has issued a statement following news of a criminal investigation into Matthew Perry’s death.
The American-Canadian actor was best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the hit sitcom Friends – his character was iconic for his sarcastic one-liners and loveable demeanour.
Alongside his Emmy-nominated performance as Chandler, Perry’s other onscreen credits include films 17 Again, Fools Rush In and The Whole Nine Yards.
Last year, fans were left devastated when news broke of the star’s death aged 54.
Warner Bros. issued a statement on the beloved icon at the time, it read: “We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry.
“Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family.
“The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many.
“This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.”
Perry was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home in October 2023.
Soon after, his official cause of death was confirmed.
The autopsy report, obtained by People magazine, revealed that Perry died due to the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine listed as contributing factors to his death, which was ruled an accident.
Ketamine is a medication doctors use as an anesthetic to induce loss of consciousness, reports Medical News Today. People sometimes use it for its ‘hallucinogenic properties’.
Perry was reportedly undergoing ketamine infusion therapy, an experimental treatment. It can help to manage various mental health conditions, such as treatment resistant depression and anxiety disorders, per Pacific Neuroscience Institute.
However, the medical examiner noted that the star’s last treatment occurred ‘one and a half weeks’ before his death, which does not account for the high levels of ketamine found in his blood.
In his autopsy report, it was revealed that at the time of Perry’s death, he had levels of ketamine in his blood supply similar to those under general anaesthesia.
A year before his passing, Perry released a memoir titled ‘Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing’, in which he candidly discussed his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction.
He revealed to The New York Times that he had spent around $9 million trying to achieve sobriety.
Friends co-creator Marta Kauffman said in a interview with Today that she had a conversation with Perry two weeks prior to his death and he was ‘sober’ and ‘in a really good place’.
Now, a criminal investigation has been launched into Perry’s passing.
According to TMZ, law enforcement sources says there’s an ongoing probe into how Perry obtained the ketamine that contributed to his demise. It’s raised questions about who supplied the drug and under what circumstances.
Both local police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have reportedly been engaged in this investigation for months, although the exact progress remains unclear.
Investigators have reportedly spoken to ‘some key people in Hollywood’, who are known to have a history of drug use or abuse.
Although they may not be the source of the ketamine, they could provide information which leads to the source.
No arrests have been made so far.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, the LAPD writes: “Death Investigation Update: On 10-28-23 LAPD responded to the residence of actor Matthew Perry to conduct a death investigation. On 10-29-23, an autopsy of Mr Perry was performed by the LA County Department of Medical Examiner.
“On 12-15-23, the autopsy indicated Mr Perry died from the ‘acute effects of ketamine’. Based on the Medical Examiner’s findings, the LAPD with the assistance of DEA and the US Postal Inspection Service, has continued its investigation into the circumstances of Perry’s death.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-4357 in the USA.
In the UK, you can contact FRANK at 0300 123 6600 or talktofrank.com for confidential advice and information about drugs, their effects and the law.
Related Article: Matthew Perry Shared Haunting Final Post From Jacuzzi Before His Death
Related Article: Friends Fans Say Eerie Scene Should Be Deleted From Show After Matthew Perry’s Tragic Death
Do you have a story for us? If so, email us at [email protected]. All contact will be treated in confidence.
