Medical authorities in Los Angeles have officially confirmed that the passing of actor Matthew Perry was the result of an accidental occurrence, specifically the “acute effects of ketamine.”
Perry, renowned for portraying Chandler Bing in the beloved sitcom Friends, was discovered unresponsive in his Los Angeles home’s pool in October. Initial post-mortem findings, inconclusive at the time, later revealed drowning as a contributing factor to his demise.
During the zenith of his fame, Perry grappled with addiction to painkillers and alcohol, seeking rehabilitation on multiple occasions.
Despite these challenges, he claimed to have maintained sobriety since 2001, except for occasional lapses. The 54-year-old’s passing was also linked to coronary artery disease and the impacts of buprenorphine, a medication used in treating opioid use disorder.
Senior deputy medical examiner Raffi Djabourian elucidated, “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.” The mention of drowning was explained in the context of the likelihood of submersion as Perry lapsed into unconsciousness.
Perry was buried in an LA cemetery following a private funeral.
His diverse acting career included notable roles in films such as The Whole Nine Yards, Fools Rush In, and his foray into playwriting with The End of Longing, exploring themes of love, commitment, and the consequences of their absence in life.
