Los Angeles, California – Authorities in Los Angeles are conducting a criminal investigation into the death of actor Matthew Perry, who passed away from the acute effects of the prescription drug ketamine. Perry was discovered lifeless in the hot tub of his Pacific Palisades home on October 28, with trace amounts of ketamine found in his system. This medication, used for treating depression, was present in Perry’s stomach and blood in quantities similar to those used for anesthesia.
The Los Angeles Police Department, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Service, is looking into how Perry obtained such a significant amount of ketamine. The substance in his system caused cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression, contributing to his death alongside drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication used in treating opioid use disorder.
Known for his role as Chandler Bing on NBC’s “Friends,” Perry struggled with substance abuse starting at a young age and battled addiction throughout his life. Despite significant efforts to manage his dependency, Perry’s death shed light on the dangers of drug misuse and the challenges of addiction.
The autopsy report revealed that Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy, but the substance found in his system at the time of his death could not have been from his last known infusion. Additionally, there were no illicit drugs or paraphernalia found in his home, indicating that Perry was sober at the time of his passing.
Ketamine, a legal medication commonly used as an anesthetic, has been increasingly utilized off-label to treat mental health disorders. However, recreational misuse of the drug, leading to euphoric or dissociative effects, poses serious health risks, especially in combination with preexisting conditions like coronary artery disease.
Perry’s passing serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of addiction and the potential dangers of substance misuse, highlighting the importance of seeking help and support for those grappling with similar issues. The investigation into Perry’s death continues as authorities work to uncover the circumstances surrounding the actor’s untimely demise, shining a spotlight on the devastating impact of substance abuse within the entertainment industry.