Matthew Perry’s Cause of Death Has Been Revealed

Matthew Perry’s cause of death has been revealed. According to the results of his autopsy, which were published by People, the beloved Friends actor died of “the acute effects of ketamine.” Ketamine is sometimes prescribed to treat depression, and is also used as a recreational drug.

According to the outlet, “Drowning, coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects (a medication used to treat opioid use disorder) were also listed as contributing factors in his death.”

Perry received a ketamine infusion treatment for anxiety and depression a week-and-half before his death, according to the toxicology report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office which was published by TMZ. However, the same report notes that at the time of his death, the ketamine in Perry’s system “could not be from that infusion therapy, since ketamine’s half-life is 3 to 4 hours, or less.” The Examiner concluded that the ketamine resulted in cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression.

Perry was found dead at his home on October 28. First responders were called to the scene for a cardiac arrest, and found the 54-year-old in his jacuzzi. At the time, no foul play was suspected, and no drugs were found at the pool area.

Matthew Perry had been open about his struggle with drug addiction throughout his decades-long career. In 2022, he published a book, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, about his journey to sobriety.

Per People, the M.E. noted that Perry had been sober for 19 months prior to his death.