Staff Reports
The Los Angeles Police Department recently wrapped up its investigation into the heartbreaking death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry. The 54-year-old actor, a Canadian native, was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on Oct. 28, a tragic result of his longtime struggle with drugs and alcohol.
People magazine revealed that at the time of his passing, Perry had large amounts of the tranquilizer ketamine in his system, along with coronary heart disease, the effects of a drug called buprenorphine prescribed for opioid addiction, and drowning. Despite these findings, officials ultimately determined that Perry’s death was an accident.
LAPD Concludes Investigation Into Death of 'Friends' Star Matthew Perry: Report https://t.co/T34pM4x7GO
— IJR (@TheIJR) January 11, 2024
Last month, People reported that the investigation into Perry’s passing has officially come to an end. A copy of his autopsy, obtained by the outlet, indicated that Perry had been “reportedly clean for 19 months” but had participated in ketamine infusion therapy to treat his major depression. However, the ketamine found in his system at the time of his death was not from the therapy, as it had been more than a week since his last treatment. A coroner confirmed that the ketamine in his system could not have been from the therapy, as the drug’s half-life is only 3 to 4 hours.
The actor had been very open about his struggles with addiction leading up to his untimely passing. In his 2022 book, “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing,” Perry candidly shared about his battle with alcohol and painkillers, which began at the age of 14. He admitted that during his time on “Friends,” his substance abuse escalated, at one point leading him to consume up to 55 pills a day with his weight fluctuating dramatically.
Despite his own ongoing struggles, Perry dedicated himself to helping others grappling with addiction. His poignant words in his book reflected the mix of relief, gratitude, and frustration he felt after facing a near-death experience, as well as his concern over why he was spared.
Perry’s tragic passing serves as a grim reminder of the devastating impact of addiction. His story underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and support for those facing similar battles.
As the investigation concludes, it’s important to remember Matthew Perry not only for his iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing on “Friends,” but also for his bravery in sharing his personal struggles with addiction. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and shed light on the realities of addiction in the entertainment industry and beyond.
