The toxicology report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has revealed that Matthew Perry, renowned for his role as Chandler Bing in “Friends,” succumbed to the “acute effects of ketamine.” The report indicates that the actor had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy to manage depression and anxiety prior to his demise on October 28, 2023. The exact method of ketamine intake remains unknown.
The toxicology findings highlighted that Perry's postmortem blood specimens exhibited elevated ketamine levels, suggesting potential lethal effects from cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression. Authorities discovered him in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home around 4 p.m., with no signs of foul play or drugs at the scene. The manner of death was officially ruled as an accident, with contributing factors including drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication for opioid use disorder.
Perry's passing left the entertainment world in shock, especially considering his recent commitment to a healthier lifestyle. His “Friends” co-stars, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer, expressed their devastation in a joint statement, emphasizing their close-knit bond as a cast. Aniston recounted her last interactions with Perry, describing him as happy, healthy, and in good spirits.
Courteney Cox paid tribute to Perry by sharing a blooper video from the “Friends” set on Instagram, expressing gratitude for every moment spent with him. Matt LeBlanc reminisced about the cherished times they shared on and off the stage, characterizing Perry as a friend he would never forget.
Perry's struggles with alcohol and drug addiction were well-documented throughout his career. In 2022, he published his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” shedding light on his journey from a troubled childhood to the challenges faced while portraying Chandler Bing. Following his passing, the Matthew Perry Foundation was established to support individuals dealing with addiction, aligning with Perry's commitment to helping others in their battles with the disease.
Variety's chief correspondent Daniel D’Addario reflected on Perry's enduring legacy, acknowledging the actor's ability to infuse humor into his role despite personal struggles. The struggles Perry faced, as revealed in his memoir, underscored the poignant contrast between the laughter he brought to millions through “Friends” and the underlying sadness in his own life.
The toxicology findings highlighted that Perry's postmortem blood specimens exhibited elevated ketamine levels, suggesting potential lethal effects from cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression. Authorities discovered him in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home around 4 p.m., with no signs of foul play or drugs at the scene. The manner of death was officially ruled as an accident, with contributing factors including drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication for opioid use disorder.
Perry's passing left the entertainment world in shock, especially considering his recent commitment to a healthier lifestyle. His “Friends” co-stars, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer, expressed their devastation in a joint statement, emphasizing their close-knit bond as a cast. Aniston recounted her last interactions with Perry, describing him as happy, healthy, and in good spirits.
Courteney Cox paid tribute to Perry by sharing a blooper video from the “Friends” set on Instagram, expressing gratitude for every moment spent with him. Matt LeBlanc reminisced about the cherished times they shared on and off the stage, characterizing Perry as a friend he would never forget.
Perry's struggles with alcohol and drug addiction were well-documented throughout his career. In 2022, he published his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” shedding light on his journey from a troubled childhood to the challenges faced while portraying Chandler Bing. Following his passing, the Matthew Perry Foundation was established to support individuals dealing with addiction, aligning with Perry's commitment to helping others in their battles with the disease.
Variety's chief correspondent Daniel D’Addario reflected on Perry's enduring legacy, acknowledging the actor's ability to infuse humor into his role despite personal struggles. The struggles Perry faced, as revealed in his memoir, underscored the poignant contrast between the laughter he brought to millions through “Friends” and the underlying sadness in his own life.
