As the world continues to mourn the loss of Friends star Matthew Perry, more details have been released to reveal his cause of death. Perry passed away at 54 on Oct. 28, leaving behind a legacy that transcends his on-screen fame.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner revealed on Dec. 15 that Perry’s death was an accident, caused by the acute effects of ketamine. Additional factors in his passing included drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication for opioid use disorder.
Perry had undergone ketamine infusion therapy, a treatment for depression and anxiety, just over a week before his death. However, the toxicology report, obtained by E! News, indicated only trace amounts of the medication in his system, which were inconsistent with the therapy due to ketamine’s short half-life.
Authorities discovered Perry at his Los Angeles home after responding to an emergency call. LAFD Captain Erik Scott described the scene: a bystander had found Perry unconscious in a hot tub, and despite efforts, he was declared deceased upon the responders’ arrival.
The news of Perry’s death was met with heartfelt tributes from his “Friends” costars – Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer. They expressed their deep sorrow in a joint statement to E! News, emphasizing their familial bond beyond the screen. Maggie Wheeler, who portrayed Janice on “Friends,” also shared a touching message on social media, celebrating the joy Perry brought to many.
Perry’s struggles with sobriety were well-documented, particularly in his candid memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.” Released in November 2022, the book details his journey, including his first experience with alcohol at 14 and the significant financial and emotional cost of maintaining sobriety. Perry’s openness about his challenges was driven by a desire to help others facing similar battles.
Despite his notable acting achievements, including five Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe nod for “The Ron Clark Story,” Perry sought a different legacy. In a Q with Tom Power interview last year, he expressed his wish to be remembered more for helping others with addiction than for his acting roles.
Perry leaves behind his father, John Bennett Perry, mother Suzanne Perry, stepfather Keith Morrison, a correspondent for Dateline NBC, and a profound impact on both the entertainment industry and those he inspired with his candidness about his personal struggles.
