The investigation into the tragic death of beloved actor Matthew Perry has reached its conclusion, confirmed by both the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner. Perry, renowned for his role as Chandler Bing in “Friends,” passed away at 54 in his Los Angeles residence on October 28, 2023. Authorities have announced the cessation of further inquiries into the matter.
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a distress call reporting a medical emergency at 4:07 p.m. on the day of Perry’s passing. Subsequently, an autopsy report from December revealed that his death resulted from acute ketamine effects, with drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine effects (an opioid use disorder medication) listed as contributing factors, classifying the incident as accidental.
Despite Perry’s reported 19 months of sobriety, he had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy, with the most recent session occurring just before his demise. However, the ketamine detected in his system at the time of death couldn’t be linked to the recent therapy, considering ketamine’s short half-life of 3 to 4 hours.
Matthew Perry, candid about his battles with addiction, chronicled his journey to sobriety in his 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.” He aimed to inspire others grappling with similar challenges, sharing his story when he felt secure in his recovery.
The iconic “Friends” series profoundly impacted Perry’s life, and he praised the cast’s support during his struggles with addiction. Recognizing the show’s significance, Perry highlighted its transformative role and the pivotal period it represented for him.
As fans grieve the loss of this gifted actor, the conclusion of the investigation offers a semblance of closure, allowing Matthew Perry’s remarkable legacy and contributions to the entertainment world to be cherished and remembered warmly.