Matthew Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing in ‘Friends,’ passed away on October 28 at the age of 54.
Tragic Loss: Matthew Perry’s Passing Confirmed as an Accident Due to the Unintended Impact of Ketamine, Say Medical Officials in Los Angeles.
The cause of Matthew Perry’s death has been determined. According to a post-mortem examination report obtained by People, the Matthew Perry’s death was attributed to the severe effects of ketamine. Drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine (a medication used in the treatment of opioid use disorder) were also listed as contributing factors to his death, which were considered sudden.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, ketamine is a “dissociative anesthetic with some hallucinogenic effects.” It distorts perception and disrupts the user’s sense of space and control, inducing a state of dissociation. It can create a state of unconsciousness (feeling calm and relaxed), immobility, pain relief, and memory loss.
What is ketamine?
Ketamine, originally approved as a potent anesthetic for surgical use, has taken on a new role over the past decade as an experimental treatment for various challenging conditions, including depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, although not officially endorsed for these purposes by health regulators.
In the absence of regulatory approval, doctors have the freedom to prescribe medications for these alternative uses if they believe it could be beneficial. Across the U.S., numerous clinics now provide ketamine infusions and other formulations to address a spectrum of health conditions.
Matthew Perry, widely known for his iconic role in ‘Friends’ spanning ten seasons, was candid about his battle with addiction during that time, despite achieving recognition as one of Hollywood’s most familiar faces.
In his 2022 memoir, he shared, ‘I loved everything about the show, but I was struggling with my addictions, which only added to my sense of shame. I had a secret, and no one could know.’
In the week leading up to his passing, Perry posted a photo of himself relaxing in what seems to be an infinity pool, captioning it with a touch of humor: ‘Oh, so warm water swirling around makes you feel good? I’m Mattman.’
Matthew Perry’s death occurred at the age of 54 due to drowning, as clearly indicated in the autopsy. It was mentioned in the autopsy report that Perry, who was reportedly “clean for 19 months,” was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy, and his latest treatment occurred “about two and a half weeks before his death. However, the coroner stated that “at the time of death, ketamine from that medical treatment could not have been the cause, as the half-life of ketamine is 3 to 4 hours or less.”
It’s a sad loss, and our thoughts go out to Matthew Perry’s family, friends, and fans.
According to the post-mortem examination, Perry’s death occurred through an “unknown route of consumption of intoxicating substances.” The coroner stated that Perry was found in a residential pool, with prescription medications and loose pills discovered at his residence, but there was no indication of anyone being near the pool or in close proximity. The autopsy report also mentioned that there were no signs of a fatal injury or suspicion of foul play.
The coroner’s report indicates, “Elevated levels of ketamine were found in his postmortem blood samples, with the main critical effects being cardiovascular depression and respiratory depression.” “The likelihood of drowning is contributed as he became unconscious.”
Matthew Perry passed away on Saturday, October 28, at his Los Angeles home. He was 54 years old. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department informed the public when they responded to a call at 4:07 pm, referring to it as a “medical emergency.”
Also Read : Remembering a Beloved Star: Matthew Perry Passes Away at 54