Los Angeles: The tragic demise of “Friends” star Matthew Perry unfolded as a result of the potent sedative ketamine’s acute effects, coupled with other contributing factors, as revealed in an autopsy report released on Friday.
Perry, aged 54, acknowledged a history of drug and alcohol abuse, a struggle documented in his memoir. “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” published just a year before his untimely death.
The report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner disclosed that Perry was discovered lifeless in his hot tub by his live-in assistant, nearly seven weeks prior.
The autopsy determined the cause of death as the acute effects of ketamine. A dissociative anesthetic hallucinogen, prevalent in Perry’s body at levels associated with general anesthesia.
Coronary artery disease, the effects of buprenorphine (an opioid-addiction medicine), and drowning were identified as contributing factors in this tragic accident.
Perry’s body exhibited concentrations of ketamine that would have overstimulated his heart while depressing his breathing. Potentially causing unconsciousness before drowning in the hot tub.
Although Perry had undergone ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety. The autopsy suggested he might have been self-medicating with ketamine between supervised treatments.
The report highlighted witness interviews indicating Perry’s last known treatment occurred a week and a half before his death. Raising questions about the introduction of ketamine into his system post-treatment.
Despite Perry’s 19 months of sobriety and no substance abuse relapses, the autopsy found no alcohol or illicit drugs at the scene.
Perry’s living room contained multiple nicotine vaping products. An inhaler, injectables of anti-diabetes medication, and nicotine lollipops in the refrigerator.
Perry’s recent engagement in pickleball and his apparent “good spirits” days before his death, as reported by a witness. Added a perplexing layer to the tragedy.
The actor, who had quit smoking two weeks earlier, was prescribed Tamoxifen for weight loss and receiving testosterone shots.
The autopsy concluded that non-toxic levels of prescription medications were present. No traces of alcohol, cocaine, heroin, or other illegal narcotics were found.
Despite the detailed investigation, the exact method of ketamine intake remained unknown, leaving lingering questions surrounding the circumstances leading to Matthew Perry’s untimely demise.
