The death of Matthew Perry (1969-2023) was an accident. The Los Angeles County coroner’s office announced this on December 15th. Ketamine was found in the body of the “Friends” star, who died in October at the age of 54, and its “acute effects” led to the actor’s death. Other contributing factors included drowning, coronary heart disease and the effects of buprenorphine.
The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) describes ketamine as a dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects. This is approved as a medical product. Among other things, it is used in the form of esketamine to treat depression. Buprenorphine, on the other hand, is used to help wean ourselves off opioids. Shortly after Perry’s death, US media reported that prescription medication had been found in the deceased’s house.
The actor was found lifeless in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home around 4 p.m. on October 28th. After an emergency call was made, paramedics were only able to determine that Perry was dead.
Perry is best known for his role in the cult sitcom “Friends.” He was part of the main cast of the series alongside Jennifer Aniston (54), Courteney Cox (59), Matt LeBlanc (56), David Schwimmer (57) and Lisa Kudrow (60). The “Friends” stars said in a short statement to “People” magazine at the end of October: “We are all deeply devastated by the loss of Matthew.” They made it clear how much Perry meant to them: “We were more than just cast mates. We are a family.”
Later they said goodbye to the actor individually. “Matty, I love you so much and I know that you are now completely at peace and no longer in pain. I talk to you every day. […] Rest, little brother,” Aniston wrote on Instagram.
