Friends Star Matthew Perry Dies Accidentally from Ketamine Overdose
In the wake of his passing, a foundation was established in his honour to aid individuals grappling with addiction.
Perry, known for portraying Chandler Bing in the popular US sitcom, was discovered “unresponsive in his residence’s pool” on October 28. He was later pronounced dead at the age of 54.
A post-mortem examination revealed that Perry’s demise resulted from the “acute effects of ketamine.” Contributing factors included “drowning, coronary artery disease, and the impact of buprenorphine,” used in treating opioid use disorder.
Confirming the incident as accidental, the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner stated, “The manner of death is accidental.”
Senior deputy medical examiner Raffi Djabourian summarised, “Given the elevated levels of ketamine found in his post-mortem blood samples, the primary lethal effects stemmed from both cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression.”
“Drowning is likely due to submersion in the pool as he lost consciousness, while coronary artery disease worsened the myocardial effects caused by ketamine on the heart.”
Reports indicated Perry had been undergoing “ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety,” with his last known treatment one-and-a-half weeks before his demise.
Although the medical examiner concluded that “the ketamine present at the time of his death could not have originated from the infusion therapy,” the precise “method of intake” in Perry’s case couldn’t be determined.
The report hinted that Perry had reportedly been “clean for 19 months” from drug use.
Perry had been candid about his struggles with substance abuse and addiction. He had also established a sober living facility to support men facing similar challenges.
In the wake of his passing, a foundation was established in his honour to aid individuals grappling with addiction.
Credit: Warner Bros
The Friends cast took to Instagram in the weeks following Perry’s passing to share heartfelt tributes. On October 31, they issued a collective statement expressing profound devastation at his loss.
“Our bond extended far beyond being colleagues; we were a family,” the statement, featured in PEOPLE magazine, conveyed.
While there’s much to express, for now, we’re dedicating a moment to mourn and navigate through this incomprehensible loss.”
Perry was laid to rest on November 4 in a private ceremony in Los Angeles, attended by his Friends co-stars: Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, and Lisa Kudrow.
