Friends actor Matthew Perry died from acute effects of ketamine – medical examiner

Published December 16,2023

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Actor Matthew Perry died from the “acute effects of ketamine,” a sedative typically used to deal with despair, with drowning and coronary heart illness discovered to be contributing elements, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office reported on Friday.

Perry, 54, finest recognized for his function as Chandler Bing of the Nineties hit tv sitcom “Friends,” was discovered lifeless within the jacuzzi of his Los Angeles dwelling on Oct. 28.

A autopsy examination concluded Perry died from the “acute effects of ketamine” whereas contributing elements included “drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine” – which is used to deal with opioid use dysfunction.

“The manner of death is accident,” the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner confirmed.

Senior deputy medical expert Raffi Djabourian‘s abstract mentioned: “At the high levels of ketamine found in his post-mortem blood specimens, the main lethal effects would be from both cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression.

“Drowning contributes because of the chance of submersion into the pool as he lapsed into unconsciousness; coronary artery illness contributes resulting from exacerbation of ketamine induced myocardial results on the hearts.”

During his life, Perry was open about his battle with substance abuse and addiction – and also set up a sober living facility for men with similar issues.

Following his death, a foundation was set up in his name to help those struggling with addiction.

Friends co-star Jennifer Aniston, who played Rachel Green in the sitcom, was among those urging support of the foundation which was set up to “honour his legacy.”

Perry’s cause of death comes days after Aniston revealed she had been messaging him on the morning of his passing, describing him as “glad and wholesome.

“I want people to know he was really healthy, and getting healthy. He was on a pursuit. He worked so hard. He really was dealt a tough one,” she advised Variety.