[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]Matthew Perry, known for his role in Friends, passed away due to the “acute effects” of the potent sedative ketamine, which, in combination with other factors, led to the actor losing consciousness and drowning in his hot tub, according to an autopsy report released on Friday.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report, coming nearly seven weeks after the 54-year-old actor was found face down and lifeless in his Los Angeles home’s jacuzzi by his live-in assistant, revealed high levels of ketamine in Perry’s body, consistent with general anesthesia levels used in monitored surgical care.
Perry, who had openly acknowledged a history of drug and alcohol abuse, had ketamine, a short-acting anesthetic with hallucinogenic properties, in his system at the time of death.
The autopsy determined that Perry’s cause of death was the acute effects of ketamine, with contributing factors including coronary artery disease, the presence of the opioid-addiction medicine buprenorphine, and drowning. The incident was ruled an accident.
Previously: Mathew Perry’s Death Allegedly Linked With Unknown Drugs
The report suggested that the concentrations of ketamine likely overstimulated Perry’s heart rate while depressing his breathing, causing him to lose consciousness before drowning in the hot tub. Although the exact method of ketamine intake was unknown, trace amounts of the drug were found in his stomach, and no recent needle marks were discovered on his body.
The autopsy hinted at the possibility that Perry may have been self-medicating with ketamine between medically supervised treatments for depression and anxiety. Witnesses stated that Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy, but his last known treatment occurred a week and a half before his death.
The actor’s demise, occurring a year after the publication of his memoir detailing his battles with addiction, surprised many as Perry had been sober for 19 months with no known substance abuse relapses.
The investigation found no alcohol, illicit drugs, or drug paraphernalia at the scene, but discovered nicotine vaping products, an inhaler, injectables of tirzepatide, and nicotine lollipops in Perry’s living space.
Despite non-toxic levels of certain prescription medications, no traces of alcohol, cocaine, heroin, or illegal narcotics were detected. Perry had engaged in pickleball hours before his death, and witnesses reported that he appeared to be in good spirits in the days leading up to the incident.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
