The untimely death of Matthew Perry, beloved for his iconic role as Chandler Bing in the hit sitcom “Friends,” sent shockwaves through Hollywood and among fans worldwide. The question on everyone’s mind has been, How Did Matthew Perry Die? An official autopsy report has now provided clarity, revealing the primary cause of death to be the acute effects of ketamine.
According to the detailed report released by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner on Friday, Perry’s death was ruled an accident. While he was found unresponsive in the heated section of his pool, drowning was determined to be a secondary factor. The primary culprit was the high level of ketamine in his system, reaching levels typically associated with general anesthesia used in surgical procedures.
Investigators learned from sources close to Perry that he was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy. This experimental treatment is sometimes used to combat depression and anxiety. However, the medical examiner’s report stated that the concentration of ketamine found in Perry’s body far exceeded therapeutic levels. His last known treatment was a week and a half prior to his death, a timeframe that would not account for such high levels, as ketamine is typically metabolized within hours.
Further complicating the circumstances, the autopsy report identified coronary artery disease and the presence of buprenorphine as contributing factors. Buprenorphine is a medication used in the treatment of opioid use disorder.
Dr. Andrew Stolbach, a medical toxicologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, reviewed the autopsy findings and offered expert insight. Speaking with The Associated Press, Dr. Stolbach explained that the detected amount of ketamine “would be enough to make him lose consciousness and lose his posture and his ability to keep himself above the water.” He emphasized the inherent risks of using sedative drugs, particularly ketamine, while alone in a pool or hot tub, highlighting the tragic outcome in Perry’s case.
The report confirmed that Matthew Perry was found unresponsive at his residence in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. The day following his death on October 28th, the autopsy was conducted. While Perry had a history of drug use, the report indicated he had been “reportedly clean for 19 months” prior to his death.
On the day of his passing, Perry had engaged in a game of pickleball. His assistant, who resided with him, discovered him face down in the pool after returning home from errands. According to the assistant’s statement to investigators, Perry had been in good health, had not voiced any health concerns, and showed no recent signs of alcohol or drug use.
However, postmortem blood tests revealed “high levels” of ketamine in his system. Such levels can induce a range of dangerous physiological effects, including elevated blood pressure and heart rate, and a suppression of the urge to breathe. The presence of buprenorphine, found at therapeutic levels in Perry’s blood, could have further exacerbated respiratory depression when combined with high levels of ketamine, as noted in the autopsy report. Additionally, his pre-existing coronary artery disease would have made him more vulnerable to the adverse effects of these substances.
Matthew Perry achieved global superstardom as Chandler Bing in “Friends,” alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer. The sitcom dominated television for ten seasons, from 1994 to 2004. His sudden death deeply affected his co-stars, friends, family, and countless fans, who have paid heartfelt tributes in the weeks following.
Perry was remarkably candid about his long-standing battle with addiction, which began during his time on “Friends.” In his 2022 memoir, he wrote poignantly about his internal struggles amidst the external success: “I loved everything about the show but I was struggling with my addictions which only added to my sense of shame. I had a secret and no one could know.”
A redacted witness in the autopsy report mentioned that Perry had been in positive spirits just days before his death. However, she also noted he had been taking testosterone shots, which she believed were contributing to mood changes, making him “angry and mean.” She also stated he had recently quit smoking two weeks prior to his death. Furthermore, she confirmed he had been receiving ketamine infusions for mental health treatment, but his doctor had reduced the frequency of treatments due to his improved well-being.
Ketamine is a potent anesthetic agent approved for surgical use by U.S. health authorities. Over the last decade, it has gained traction as an experimental treatment for various psychiatric conditions resistant to conventional therapies, including severe depression, anxiety disorders, and chronic pain. While not officially approved for these psychiatric uses, physicians are legally permitted to prescribe medications off-label if they believe it could benefit their patients. Consequently, numerous clinics across the United States now offer ketamine infusions and other formulations for a range of health issues.
In conclusion, the autopsy report definitively answers the question, how did Matthew Perry die? His death was a tragic accident primarily caused by the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning as a secondary factor, further complicated by coronary artery disease and buprenorphine. This detailed report provides a somber understanding of the circumstances surrounding the loss of a beloved actor who touched the hearts of millions.
