Matthew Perry’s Cause of Death Revealed: Autopsy Points to Ketamine Overdose
Los Angeles, CA — The late “Friends” star, Matthew Perry, passed away at the age of 54 due to the “acute effects of ketamine,” according to the recently released autopsy report. Perry’s unexpected death had puzzled fans, and now details about the contributing factors have come to light.
Known for his candidness about battling addiction, Perry had undergone ketamine infusion therapy for anxiety and depression. However, the autopsy findings indicated that the ketamine in his system at the time of death could not be attributed to the recent infusion therapy, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his drug use.
The medical examiner listed drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine (used to treat opioid use disorder) as contributing factors to Perry’s demise. The manner of death has been officially ruled an accident, described as “drug and drowning related.”
The autopsy report outlined Perry’s health history, including his struggles with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/emphysema and diabetes. Despite past drug use, Perry was reportedly clean for 19 months leading up to his death. The report also highlighted Perry’s recent engagement in ketamine therapy, a popular mental health treatment used to address conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Ketamine therapy involves intravenous administration of the drug, and its increasing popularity has led to its use in clinics and even home-based concierge services. The autopsy report, however, indicated uncertainty about when and how Perry had used ketamine prior to his death.
“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,” the report stated. The drowning was attributed to the likelihood of submersion into the pool as Perry lapsed into unconsciousness.
Perry was found dead in his Pacific Palisades home on October 28, and the death certificate listed the time of death as 4:17 p.m. His stepfather, Keith Morrison, identified him to authorities.
The actor’s sudden passing sparked mourning from his “Friends” co-stars, and Perry’s posthumous foundation, launched on November 3, aims to address addiction as a disease, challenge stigmas, and advocate for equitable treatment.
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Matthew Perry’s death, the entertainment industry and fans alike grapple with the loss of a beloved star who had been candid about his struggles and endeavors to help others.
Matthew Perry died from “the acute effects of ketamine,” according to the toxicology report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Contributing factors in “Friends” actor’s death included drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine. The… pic.twitter.com/ldRjqvjUXE
— Variety (@Variety) December 15, 2023