Matthew Perry is best known for bringing the lovable goof Chandler Bing on Friendsto life. However, in his last few years, the actor has been vocal about his struggles with addiction. In November 2022, Perry released a memoir entitled Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir.
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In his book, Matthew Perry details the traumatic experience of when his colon ruptured due to his opioid abuse. He revealed that he was in a comafor 2 weeks and then remained in the hospital for months. In total, Perry needed 14 surgeries to repair the abominable damage caused by drugs.
Sadly, on 28 October 2023, the actor was found dead at his Los Angeles apartment. Matthew Perry was only 54 years old. Months later, in May 2024, it has been reported that though the cause of his death was ruled accidental, the police and other services are investigating the source of the drugs.
Matthew Perry's cause of death
As reported by CNN, when the actor was found dead, the Los Angeles Police started investigating. Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey revealed to CNN that a call to 911 had been logged at 4:07 p.m. for a water rescue emergency. However, at the time it was not specified what body of water it was.
A source speaking to the Los Angeles Times revealed at the time that the Los Angeles Police Department Robbery-Homicide Division was investigating the death, but that there was no suspected foul play at the moment.
In December 2023, the autopsy report revealed that Matthew Perry died 'from the acute effects of ketamine'. As ABC News explained, the autopsy listed 'drowning, coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects' as factors in his death but not as the main cause. However, his death was still ruled an accident.
ABC News also explains that Perry was on 'ketamine infusion therapy' which was used to help with his depression and anxiety. Nevertheless the medical examiner specified in his report that 'the ketamine in his system at death could not have been from that infusion therapy'.
Investigation into Perry's death continues
On 21 May 2024, TMZ reported that the investigation into Perry's death was still ongoing. ABC News specified that the nature of the case was 'in respect to where he acquired the ketamine'. According to the American news outlet who spoke to several sources, 'detectives have been interviewing people' who could help them find information on the source. However, the same anonymous sources told the outlet that these witnesses 'do not have information to narrow in on a source'. Words that match the ones of the TMZ sources.
In a statement, the Los Angeles Police Department did confirm that they are working with the US Postal System as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The latter refused to comment.
Tributes for Matthew Perry
After the sad news was announced, the tributes quickly grew on social media. In a statement to CNN, Warner Bros. Television Group said:
We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry. Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family. The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.
On Matthew Perry’s last Instagram post, people sent messages of love. Sean Maguire wrote:
You will be forever missed. Heartbroken. Rest in peace.
Perry fans also paid tribute:
rest in peace ❤️ thank you for being apart of my comfort show
So incredibly sad 😞 this man was so talented and being so vulnerable with the sadness and pain he had in his life .. Condolences to his family and his Friends ❤️
Fans are still commenting on this post, months after his death was announced.
Read more:
⋙ From Matthew Perry to Tina Turner, here are all the celebrities we lost in 2023
⋙ Michael Jackson’s death: How did the singer die and what happened to Conrad Murray?
⋙ Whitney Houston: Everything you need to know about the music icon’s death twelve years later
Sources used:
ABC News: Matthew Perry died from acute effects of ketamine, other contributing factors: Autopsy
ABC News: Investigation continues into Matthew Perry's death, source of ketamine: Sources
TMZ: MATTHEW PERRY DEATH KETAMINE ORIGINS INVESTIGATED... Feds Are Involved
CNN: ‘Matthew Perry, ‘Friends’ star, dead at 54’
