It is with heavy hearts that we share the final verdict of the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office on the passing of beloved “Friends” star, Matthew Perry. The official report indicates that Perry’s cause of death was the “acute effects of ketamine,” a potent sedative.

The report also mentions that other contributing factors to Perry’s demise include drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication used for treating opioid use disorder. The medical examiner declared the manner of death as an accident.

Perry, aged 54, was discovered unresponsive in a hot tub at his Pacific Palisades residence on Saturday, October 28. Initially, the cause of death was listed as ‘deferred’ by the Medical Examiner’s Office. However, the autopsy report clarifies that Perry had a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/emphysema and diabetes. Although he had battled past drug abuse, he had been clean for 19 months leading up to his tragic demise. The report reveals that Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy and had received treatment just over a week before his passing.

The elevated levels of ketamine in Perry’s body post-mortem likely caused excessive stimulation of his heart and reduced breathing, resulting in his untimely drowning. Furthermore, the report states that buprenorphine, along with other opioids, can lead to respiratory depression. Ketamine, on the other hand, can increase blood pressure, exacerbating the effects on Perry’s heart. His pre-existing heart disease further worsened the impact of the ketamine.

The autopsy report shows that Perry had substantial levels of ketamine in his peripheral (outer) and central (inner) blood, measuring at 3540 ng/ml and 3271 ng/ml, respectively. During monitored surgery or anesthesia, similar levels of ketamine, typically ranging from 1000 to 6000 ng/ml, are found.

It is important to note that Perry’s passing was deemed accidental, resulting from a combination of ketamine use, drowning, heart disease, and the effects of buprenorphine. No evidence of foul play was found, and there were no prescription medications or drug paraphernalia discovered near the hot tub or pool.

In the wake of this heartbreaking news, Perry’s “Friends” co-stars, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, and David Schwimmer, released a heartfelt joint statement expressing their devastation. They emphasized their deep bond, stating, “We are more than just cast mates. We are family.” The cast requested time to process this inexplicable loss and offered their thoughts and love to Perry’s family, friends, and countless fans worldwide.

Matthew Perry was an integral part of the hit television series “Friends,” appearing in every episode of its ten-season run from 1994 to 2004. His talent and warm presence made him one of Hollywood’s most recognizable and beloved actors.

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