The Department of Medical Examiner for the County of Los Angeles ruled that acute effects of ketamine were the cause of death for the actor Matthew Perry, who became known for his role in the television series Friends.
A number of causes, including drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, were identified as contributing factors in the report that was issued on Friday. An accident was determined to be the cause of death based on the findings.
On the morning of October 28, it was stated that Perry returned to his residence in Los Angeles after playing a game of pickleball. He then dispatched his aide to make a trip to the store.
Two hours later, when the assistant came back, Perry was still unresponsive in the spa, so the emergency services were contacted.
Perry was pronounced dead at the site by the paramedics that rushed to the incident.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that also has some hallucinogenic effects. The induction and maintenance of anesthesia, as well as for the treatment of depression, are among the medical applications of this substance.
According to the report of the autopsy conducted by the coroner, Perry was receiving ketamine infusion therapy for the treatment of anxiety and depression. Reportedly, the most recent therapy was administered approximately one and a half weeks before to his passing.
Perry had a history of substance abuse, but according to the article, he had been “reportedly clean for 19 months” since his last drug use. Beginning with his time spent on the popular television sitcom Friends in the 1990s, the actor had a history of candidly discussing his battles with addiction.