'Let him be': Matthew Perry fans disappointed by 'hype' over cause of death after it is finally revealed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actor Matthew Perry, best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom 'Friends,' died on October 28 at the age of 54. His death stunned fans who had loved and related to the sarcastic but good-hearted character he played for 10 seasons.

While Perry’s death was ruled an accident in November, the recent release of specific details has renewed media coverage and online discussion - but many fans wish he could be allowed to rest in peace.

Medical examiner reveals Matthew Perry's cause of death

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner this week revealed Perry's official cause of death as acute ketamine toxicity, exacerbated by pre-existing coronary artery disease as well as the effects of buprenorphine which he took to combat opioid addiction, as per BBC.

The report stated that the high levels of ketamine found in Perry’s system at death mainly caused cardiovascular and respiratory failure. The drug is commonly used recreationally, providing out-of-body hallucinogenic effects when used illegally.

Drowning is also listed by the coroner as a contributing factor in Perry's death. He was discovered unconscious in his jacuzzi following what experts believe was a ketamine overdose-induced lapse into unconsciousness. Emergency responders pronounced the actor dead at the scene.

Matthew Perry's long public battle with addiction

While shocking, the role of substance abuse in Perry's untimely end comes as no surprise to the public. He bravely and candidly shared his struggles with alcohol and prescription painkiller addictions throughout his time in the spotlight.

In 2016, Perry had told the BBC he has zero memory of roughly three years of filming the show due to his drinking and drug use during the height of 'Friends' astronomical success.

After many cycles of rehabilitation clinics and relapse, the actor said he finally achieved sobriety in 2001. But his 2022 memoir 'Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing' admits to suffering dozens more “slips” in the subsequent decades.

Fans disappointed by 'irrelevant' focus on Matthew Perry's cause of death

While the coroner's report may provide clinical closure on how Perry died, many of his loyal fans argue that how he lived should be his lasting legacy. After news broke detailing the roles ketamine and opioid treatment medication played in his death, supporters took to social media to express their disappointment.

One X user encapsulated the prevailing sentiment, stating, "Matthew Perry is gone. Nothing is ever going to change that. How he died is irrelevant. What is relevant is respect for him and his family. RIP LEGEND."

Another fan lamented, "As a talented soul, he struggled.....like many. Dear God, let it go..... let him be." Amidst the outcry, a third user highlighted, "He was sick. He had a disease called addiction. Nothing ever changes with a toxicology report. Rip Matthew Perry."

"Just stop! A man died! A man who was loved by millions - we do not need to know how he died - let their man and his family rest in peace - please," pleaded another distressed follower.

Expressing a desire to preserve Perry's legacy for the joy he brought, a fifth user remarked, "Matthew Perry brought a lot of joy to people then and now. That's all I need to know."

Summarizing the collective sentiment, a sixth user condemned the "cause of death" hype, emphasizing, "All anyone (not related to him) needs to know: A beloved actor passed. He fought his demons the best he could, forever. Be thankful you're alive and able to make better choices. Like not shaming a man for trying his best."

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