Matthew Perry's death under investigation over ketamine level found in actor's blood - Google
The Los Angeles Police Department announced on Tuesday that they are conducting a criminal investigation into the death of Matthew Perry, attributed to the acute effects of ketamine.
Collaborating with the Drug Enforcement Agency and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the LAPD is focusing on identifying the source of the ketamine found in Perry's system.
Perry, known for his role in the sitcom "Friends," was discovered unresponsive at his home on October 28, 2023, lying face down in the heated section of his pool.
On the morning of his death, Perry, 54, had gone out to play pickleball around 11 a.m. and returned home two hours later, according to witnesses. His assistant, who had left to run errands shortly after Perry’s return, found him dead upon coming back. Perry was declared dead at 4:17 p.m.
The autopsy report from the Los Angeles Medical Examiner's Office determined Perry's death was accidental, caused by the acute effects of ketamine. Contributing factors included drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine effects. The report indicated trace amounts of ketamine in Perry's stomach, with the level in his bloodstream akin to a dose used for general anesthesia.
Perry had been undergoing medically supervised ketamine treatments for depression and anxiety. At the time of his death, he had been sober for 19 months. His last prescribed ketamine session was a week and a half before his passing, and the autopsy concluded that the ketamine in his system was not from his previous medical treatment, as the drug's half-life is only 3 to 4 hours. This suggests the ketamine was ingested through other means.
Ketamine, approved by the FDA as an anesthetic since the 1970s, has shown promise as a treatment for depression and anxiety under medical supervision. However, it carries significant risks. The drug can cause dissociation, hallucinations, and is known for its use in party settings. The DEA cautions that a ketamine overdose can lead to unconsciousness and dangerously slowed breathing.
The investigation continues as authorities seek to understand the exact circumstances surrounding Perry's death, focusing on the source of the ketamine that ultimately led to his untimely demise.
