Matthew Perry's death: New evidence leads to 'several' arrests of actor's ketamine suppliers
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Arrests have been made in connection with the death of 'Friends' star Matthew Perry, who was found unresponsive at his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023.
The 54-year-old actor was discovered in the hot tub of his Pacific Palisades residence, and traces of the drug ketamine were found in his system.
Initially, Perry's death was ruled an accidental overdose. However, in May 2024, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced that it was collaborating with federal authorities to investigate the source of the ketamine Perry had consumed.
Multiple arrests in Matthew Perry's death investigation
According to TMZ, law enforcement agencies have arrested at least "one doctor and several drug dealers involved in supplying and delivering ketamine" to Matthew Perry.
The outlet reported that "multiple law enforcement agencies have executed search warrants and seized computers, phones, and other electronic equipment to determine who supplied Perry with the ketamine that caused him to lose consciousness," citing unnamed sources.
The Los Angeles Times also reported that "an arrest" has been made in connection with Perry's death, and several people have been charged.
The publication noted that "several search warrants were served on targets of the investigation, and evidence was seized. Federal charges have been filed against multiple people, at least one of whom holds a medical license," according to their sources.
Matthew Perry had ketamine equivalent to that of general anesthesia
In June, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the US Postal Service linked several individuals to the procurement of the ketamine that led to Matthew Perry's death.
Perry had been receiving ketamine infusion therapy for anxiety and depression, but his last session occurred a week and a half before his death.
This led investigators to believe that the ketamine found in his system was not prescribed by a doctor, prompting a criminal investigation.
The level of ketamine in Perry's system was equivalent to that used for general anesthesia during surgery, raising concerns about its origin and administration.
Matthew Perry's text messages reveal payment for ketamine
TMZ further reported that "the search warrant revealed text messages discussing [Matthew] Perry and the ketamine he wanted and what they were doing to get it to him."
The outlet also noted that the texts discussed the price Perry would "pay for the drug."
According to the medical examiner, the ketamine in Perry's system caused cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression, contributing to his death.
Other factors included drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid-use disorder.
The autopsy report confirmed that Perry had no other drugs in his system and had been 19 months sober at the time of his death. Additionally, there was no evidence of illicit drugs or paraphernalia found at his home.
