Investigation launched into Matthew Perry’s death

Police in Los Angeles have said they have opened an inquiry into the demise of celeb Matthew Perry.

Matthew Perry, the beloved star of the hit TV sitcom “Friends,” tragically passed away in October from “acute effects of ketamine,” according to medical officials. His death has prompted an investigation into how the actor obtained the anaesthetic ketamine found in his system.

Investigation Details

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed on Tuesday that it is collaborating with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the US Postal Inspection Service to investigate Perry’s death. 

The investigation aims to uncover how Perry acquired the ketamine that was found in his system. The status of the investigation, initially reported by TMZ, remains unclear, including who has been interviewed so far.

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Circumstances of Death

Matthew Perry was discovered unresponsive in the pool of his Los Angeles home on October 28 and was pronounced dead at the scene. The LA County medical examiner’s office reported in December that Perry had “high levels of ketamine” in his post-mortem blood specimen. 

The examiner also identified coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine—a medication used to treat opioid use disorder—as contributing factors to his death.

Senior Deputy Medical Examiner Raffi Djabourian explained that drowning was a contributing factor due to the likelihood of Perry’s submersion into the pool after losing consciousness. Djabourian noted, “Coronary artery disease contributes due to exacerbation of ketamine-induced myocardial effects on the heart.”

Medical Background

At the time of his death, Perry was undergoing medically supervised ketamine treatments for depression and anxiety. However, his last prescribed ketamine treatment occurred a week and a half before his death.

Struggles with Addiction

Throughout his career, Perry struggled with addiction to painkillers and alcohol, leading to multiple stints in rehabilitation clinics. 

He openly discussed his battles with addiction, revealing to BBC Radio 2 in 2016 that he could not remember three years of filming “Friends” due to his substance use. In his memoir, Perry admitted to being mostly sober since 2001, with the exception of “about 60 or 70 mishaps.”

Public and Official Reactions

Perry’s death has garnered significant public attention, highlighting the ongoing issues surrounding addiction and mental health. 

The investigation into his death aims to shed light on the circumstances and potentially prevent similar tragedies in the future.

As the investigation continues, fans and the public await further details on the findings and hope for clarity on the tragic loss of the beloved actor.