Matthew Perry’s Cause of Death Revealed

According to an autopsy report from the medical examiner in Los Angeles County, the beloved Friends star died from the “acute effects of Ketamine.”

Perry was found unresponsive at his home on Oct. 28 “floating face down in the heated end” of the pool, the autopsy report said. The report says the death was accidental and that no signs of foul play were suspected. 

His cause of death is listed as the “acute effects of ketamine,” with contributing factors listed as “drowning, coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects.” (Buprenorphine is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder.)

Perry struggled with addiction for many years, although he reportedly had been clean for 19 months, the autopsy report said. Perry had been receiving ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety, with the last treatment a week and a half before his death, the autopsy report said.

Ketamine has been approved by the FDA as an anesthetic since the 1970s, and research shows it may help some patients when used as a medically supervised treatment for depression and anxiety.

But like any drug, there can be side effects that include hallucinations and when taking too much, can cause unconsciousness and dangerously slowed breathing.

Perry rose to fame with his role as Chandler Bing on “Friends,” known for his eccentric mannerisms and quirky personality. He quickly became a fan favourite on the show, which aired for 10 seasons from 1994 until 2004.