Matthew Perry’s Death Now Under Criminal Investigation

“Friends” fans mourned the 2023 death of actor Matthew Perry, and many wondered what caused his untimely passing. His autopsy revealed it was ketamine that served the fatal blow. The drug, which is often used to fight depression, was found in trace amounts in the actor’s stomach. But the level in his blood equaled a quantity used for general anesthesia.

Officials are now wondering who supplied the medication. The case has become a criminal investigation as detectives search for answers.

Officials Seek The Truth Surrounding Matthew Perry’s Death

Los Angeles Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Postal Service are investigating Matthew Perry’s death.

Ketamine is a legal medication offered at several “off-label” clinics. It is used to treat depression and other mental health disorders. Several studies have established that its effects are much more fast-acting than other antidepressants.

Some people use it recreationally for its euphoric effects. They may snort it or inject it. It may produce dissociative feelings, making people feel disconnected from their bodies.

If not taken responsibly, the drug could speed up heart rate and cause breathing complications. It is especially dangerous when taken in high doses and for people with heart disease.

Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy at the time of his death. He had been taking it every other day, but he reduced his intake. His last known infusion occurred a week before his death.

The medical examiner stated the fatal dose could not stem from the latest infusion as the drug leaves the system within 3 to 4 hours. Therefore, the infusion did not cause Matthey Perry’s death.

Other Contributing Factors to Perry’s Death

The ketamine in Matthew Perry’s system was the leading cause of his death. It caused cardiac overstimulation and respiratory depression.

Contributing factors include drowning. Perry was floating face-down in his pool. Coronary artery disease and buprenorphine, which is used to treat opioid disorders, also played a role in his death.

Perry dealt with drug dependency issues throughout his life. In his book, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” he admitted that he had been taking five dozen pills a day at one point in his life. However, he had been 19 months sober at the time of his death. Officers did not find drugs or paraphernalia in Perry’s home.

About Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry is best known for his work on Friends. He starred in the sitcom as Chandler Bing for ten seasons. The actor also appeared on Ally McBeal, West Wing, and The Ron Clark Story. He received five Emmy nominations.

The actor began taking drugs when he was just 14 years old. Fame increased his dependency. He experienced several health issues due to his addiction.

Later in life, Perry became an advocate for drug rehabilitation and a spokesperson for the National Association of Drug Professionals. He also received the 2013 Champion Recovery Award from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

The Matthew Perry Foundation was established after the actor’s death. It supports people who are struggling with addiction. It serves to remove addiction stigmas and advocates for more equitable treatments.

The Day of Matthew Perry’s Death

Perry died on Oct. 28, 2023, at his Pacific Palisades home. According to reports, he had been playing pickleball at 11 AM that day. His live-in assistant last saw him alive at 1:37 PM.

When the assistant returned home later that day, he found Perry floating face-down in the swimming pool. He pulled the actor’s head out of the water and called emergency services. When paramedics arrived, they declared Perry dead at the scene.