Matthew Perry: LAPD Escalating ‘Investigation Into the Circumstances’ of Friends Star’s Death From Ketamine
The “circumstances” surrounding the death of actor Matthew Perry are now under investigation by multiple federal agencies, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.
Here is the LAPD’s full statement, as shared via its social media accounts: “On [October 28, 2023] LAPD responded to the residence of actor Matthew Perry to conduct a death investigation. [On Oct. 29, 2023], an autopsy of Mr. Perry was performed by the L.A. County Department of Medical Examiner. On [Dec. 15, 2023], the autopsy indicated Mr. Perry died from the ‘acute effects of ketamine.’ Based on the Medical Examiner’s findings, the LAPD with the assistance of DEA and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, has continued its investigation into the circumstances of Perry’s death.”
More from TVLine
Emmys Producers Explain Why the Friends Cast Wasn't There for Matthew Perry Tribute
Friends Streaming on Max Hit All-Time High in Wake of Matthew Perry's Passing
A law enforcement source tells our sister site Deadline that “there have been concerns for a while about how that much ketamine was in [Perry’s] system.”
The Friends star had undergone ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety roughly 10 days prior to his death, according to TMZ, but the coroner’s report noted that “the ketamine in his system at death could not be from that infusion therapy, since ketamine’s half-life is 3 to 4 hours, or less.”
At the time of the autopsy, contributing factors in Perry’s death included drowning, coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects (a medication used to treat opioid addiction).
Best of TVLine
Summer TV Calendar: Your Guide to 85+ Season and Series Premieres
Yellowjackets Mysteries: An Up-to-Date List of the Showtime Series' Biggest Questions (and Answers?)
Get more from TVLine.com: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter