Matthew Perry's cause of death: 'Friends' star died from 'acute effects of ketamine', toxicology report reveals

Matthew Perry was going through ketamine infusion therapy before his death in October while battling depression and anxiety
PUBLISHED DEC 15, 2023
Matthew Perry, 54, struggled with drug addiction all his life (Getty Images)
Matthew Perry, 54, struggled with drug addiction all his life (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Matthew Perry, who tragically died on October 28, has left his fans and friends bereaved. Matthew Perry, who gained popularity for his role as Chandler Bing on 'Friends', was found dead at his Los Angeles residence.

Now, the ‘Friends’ star’s cause of death has been revealed after the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office released its toxicology report.


 
 
 
 
 
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What all did toxicology report say?

The report stated that the 'Fools Rush In' actor died from the ‘acute effects of ketamine,’ including drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine (used to treat opioid use disorder).

Meanwhile, the manner of his death was ruled as an accident. The 54-year-old actor was going through ketamine infusion therapy before his death in October while battling depression and anxiety.

The toxicology report reads, “At the high levels of ketamine found in his postmortem blood specimens, the main lethal effects would be from both cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression.”

Perry, who suffered from substance abuse, died on October 28 and was found by the authorities in a hot tub at his residence, as per the Los Angeles Times.

There were no signs of foul play or drugs at the scene as the first responders were called in for a probable cardiac arrest, reported TMZ.



 

'Friends' cast remembers Matthew Perry

“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss,” Perry’s cast members Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer wrote in a joint statement after his death.

“In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world," the statement added.

Aniston told Variety that Perry texted her on the day of his death. “He was happy. He was healthy. He had quit smoking. He was getting in shape. He was happy — that’s all I know,” she said.



 

“I was literally texting with him that morning, funny Matty. He was not in pain. He wasn’t struggling. He was happy," she added.

Courteney Cox, too, posted separately on Instagram and shared a ‘blooper’ video of the two. “I am so grateful for every moment I had with you Matty and I miss you every day,” she wrote.

“When you work with someone as closely as I did with Matthew, there are thousands of moments I wish I could share. For now here’s one of my favorites," she added.

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