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.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Gladiator’s Skeleton In York Shows Evidence Of Lion Combat

A fascinating discovery in York, England, has given researchers new insights into ancient Roman combat. Archaeologists have found a skeleton....

White House Reports Success At Canada-U.S. Border Amid Tariffs

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted the successes at the Canada-U.S. border during a briefing on Tuesday. She mentioned....

Record 7.3 Million Canadians Cast Votes In Advance Polls: Elections Canada

A new record was set in Canada as 7.3 million people cast their votes during the advance polls, according to....

Scientists discover rare signs of Earth's layers peeling beneath Sierra Nevada

Seismologist Deborah Kilb made an exciting discovery while analyzing earthquake data from California. While reviewing the past four decades of....

Harvard Sues Trump Administration Over $2.2 Billion Funding Freeze

Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Monday, aiming to stop a freeze on over $2.2 billion....

Canada’s Election Focus Shifts From Climate To Energy Plans

As Canada gets ready to vote on April 28, concerns about climate change have taken a back seat. This time,....

Canada’s Election Heats Up As Liberals Hold Narrow Lead

Canada’s federal election is entering its final week, and the race is now neck and neck. A new poll shows....

Trump May Cut Another $1 billion From Harvard Over Policy Dispute

The Trump administration plans to remove another $1 billion in federal funding from Harvard University. This decision comes as tensions....

Oldest American Astronaut Don Pettit Returns To Earth On 70th Birthday

Don Pettit, America’s oldest active astronaut, landed safely back on Earth on his 70th birthday. He traveled in a space....

Advance Voting Grows As Poilievre Slams Carney For Inflation

Canadians kept showing up at advance polls on Sunday, making the most of early voting. While people lined up to....

Record Turnout Across Canada At Advance Polls As Voters Flock To Cast Ballots Early

Advance voting in Canada’s 2025 federal election has reached historic levels. On Good Friday alone, over 2 million people cast....

Trump Says Tariffs Boost U.S. Wealth, Promises Trade Talks

President Donald Trump made it clear this week that he isn’t stepping away from his global tariff strategy. Despite growing....