Friends star Matthew Perry died from 'acute effects of ketamine', autopsy shows

Friends star Matthew Perry died as a result of "acute effects of ketamine" and subsequent drowning, an autopsy report shows.

The report, released on Friday by the LA Medical Examiner's Office, shows Perry's blood tested positive for ketamine which is known to treat depression and anxiety.

"At the high levels of ketamine found in his postmortem blood specimens, the main lethal effects would be from both cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression," the report states.

Perry was found floating face down in the pool of his Malibu home in October.

Authorities said no foul play was involved.

Perry was "reported to be receiving ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety", the autopsy report stated.

The report further explains ketamine has medical and surgical uses as an anesthetic and is also known as a recreational drug "mainly due to its 'dissociative' nature, indicating disconnection of mind and body. It can also have short duration hallucinatory and psychedelic effects".

Perry's last known treatment was a week and a half prior to his death, the autopsy stated, well beyond the time it would still be in his system from the treatment.

A live-in assistant found Perry's unresponsive body in the pool after returning home from running errands, the investigative summary of his autopsy report shows.

"The assistant jumped into the pool, moved the decedent into a sitting position on the steps and called 911," said the report. "The assistant did not report any recent illnesses, complaints, drinking or drug abuse," the report states.

Drowning is considered a contributing factor to Perry’s death "due to the likelihood of submersion into the pool as he lapsed into unconsciousness", the autopsy states.

'Happy' and 'heathy' before his death

Perry was open about his past experience with addiction. While promoting his book Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir, which was released in November 2022 and addressed his addiction at length, Perry said on the Q With Tom Power podcast: "The best thing about me, bar none, is that if somebody comes to me and says, 'I can't stop drinking, can you help me?' I can say 'yes' and follow up and do it."

The autopsy report this week notes in terms of his drug use, Perry had been "reportedly clean for 19 months". It also states though he was a "heavy tobacco user for many years", he was not a smoker when he died.

His Friends costar Jennifer Aniston said this month she had been in contact with Perry on the day of his death and he "was happy".

"I was literally texting with him that morning, funny Matty," she said in an interview with Variety. "He was not in pain. He wasn't struggling.

"He was happy. He was healthy," she added. "He had quit smoking. He was getting in shape."

Friends star Matthew Perry died as a result of "acute effects of ketamine" and subsequent drowning, an autopsy report shows.

The report, released on Friday by the LA Medical Examiner's Office, shows Perry's blood tested positive for ketamine which is known to treat depression and anxiety.

"At the high levels of ketamine found in his postmortem blood specimens, the main lethal effects would be from both cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression," the report states.

Perry was found floating face down in the pool of his Malibu home in October.

Authorities said no foul play was involved.

Perry was "reported to be receiving ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety", the autopsy report stated.

The report further explains ketamine has medical and surgical uses as an anesthetic and is also known as a recreational drug "mainly due to its 'dissociative' nature, indicating disconnection of mind and body. It can also have short duration hallucinatory and psychedelic effects".

Perry's last known treatment was a week and a half prior to his death, the autopsy stated, well beyond the time it would still be in his system from the treatment.

A live-in assistant found Perry's unresponsive body in the pool after returning home from running errands, the investigative summary of his autopsy report shows.

"The assistant jumped into the pool, moved the decedent into a sitting position on the steps and called 911," said the report. "The assistant did not report any recent illnesses, complaints, drinking or drug abuse," the report states.

Drowning is considered a contributing factor to Perry’s death "due to the likelihood of submersion into the pool as he lapsed into unconsciousness", the autopsy states.

'Happy' and 'heathy' before his death

Perry was open about his past experience with addiction. While promoting his book Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir, which was released in November 2022 and addressed his addiction at length, Perry said on the Q With Tom Power podcast: "The best thing about me, bar none, is that if somebody comes to me and says, 'I can't stop drinking, can you help me?' I can say 'yes' and follow up and do it."

The autopsy report this week notes in terms of his drug use, Perry had been "reportedly clean for 19 months". It also states though he was a "heavy tobacco user for many years", he was not a smoker when he died.

His Friends costar Jennifer Aniston said this month she had been in contact with Perry on the day of his death and he "was happy".

"I was literally texting with him that morning, funny Matty," she said in an interview with Variety. "He was not in pain. He wasn't struggling.

"He was happy. He was healthy," she added. "He had quit smoking. He was getting in shape."

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.