Matthew Perry died from the effects of ketamine, autopsy report says

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Matthew Perry’s demise has been attributed to the acute effects of the anesthetic ketamine, as disclosed in the findings of a recently released autopsy report on the 54-year-old actor renowned for his role in the popular television series “Friends.” The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, in its autopsy report, also noted that Perry had drowned in the heated section of his pool, though this was considered a secondary factor in his tragic death, ruled as accidental, occurring on October 28.

Close associates of Perry informed investigators that he was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy, an experimental treatment for depression and anxiety. However, the autopsy findings revealed that the levels of ketamine in Perry’s system were consistent with those administered for general anesthesia during surgery, which was not in line with his last treatment 1 1/2 weeks prior. Typically, the drug is metabolized within a matter of hours.

The autopsy report cited coronary artery disease and buprenorphine, used to treat opioid use disorder, as contributing factors to Perry’s demise. Dr. Andrew Stolbach, a medical toxicologist from Johns Hopkins Medicine who reviewed the report, highlighted that the amount of ketamine detected would have caused loss of consciousness and impaired his ability to stay afloat in the water, especially when combined with sedative drugs.

Perry, who had been declared dead after being found unresponsive at his Pacific Palisades residence, had reportedly been clean from substance abuse for 19 months. He had been engaged in physical activity, playing pickleball earlier in the day, before the tragic incident occurred.

The postmortem blood tests revealed elevated levels of ketamine in his system, which could have impacted his blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing reflexes. The presence of buprenorphine, a central nervous system depressant, in conjunction with high ketamine levels, exacerbated the respiratory effects, according to the autopsy.

Furthermore, Perry’s pre-existing coronary artery disease heightened his vulnerability to the combined effects of these substances.

Matthew Perry, renowned for his portrayal of Chandler Bing in “Friends,” was a beloved figure in the world of entertainment. His sudden demise came as a shock to his castmates, friends, family, and fans. Perry had been candid about his struggles with addiction, as reflected in his 2022 memoir.

The autopsy report also mentioned a woman, whose name was redacted, who indicated that Perry had been in good spirits a few days prior to his passing. She mentioned that he had been receiving ketamine infusions for mental health reasons, with his doctor reducing the frequency of treatments as he had been feeling well.

Ketamine, originally approved as an anesthetic for surgical use, has emerged in recent years as an experimental treatment for various psychiatric and challenging conditions, including depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. While not officially sanctioned for these purposes, many medical practitioners prescribe it when they believe it could benefit their patients, leading to the availability of ketamine infusions in numerous clinics across the United States.

Carla K. Johnson, Matthew Perrone, and Ryan J. Foley contributed reporting to this article from various locations.

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More about Matthew Perry autopsy

• Los Angeles Times Article on Matthew Perry’s Autopsy
• Johns Hopkins Medicine
• Information on Ketamine Therapy
• Matthew Perry’s Memoir
• U.S. FDA Information on Ketamine
• Matthew Perry’s Career and Contributions
• Addiction and Mental Health Resources
• Coronary Artery Disease Overview
• Buprenorphine and Opioid Addiction Treatment