Friends star Matthew Perry’s autopsy reveals the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise

Further details regarding the death of Friends star Matthew Perry have been revealed, months after his passing shocked the world.

The 54-year-old actor sadly passed away on October 28 with a recently released autopsy report indicating a combination of factors that contributed to his untimely demise.

According to the report from the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, Perry succumbed to the “acute effects” of the anaesthetic ketamine, a drug he was reportedly using as part of ketamine infusion therapy to manage depression and anxiety. His last treatment occurred just one-and-a-half weeks before his tragic death, which was deemed an accident.

The report also highlights that Perry drowned in “the heated end of his pool”,  although it was considered a secondary factor in his death.

Coronary artery disease and buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder, were identified as additional contributors to the actor’s death. Perry, who had battled substance abuse issues in the past, was reported to have been “clean for 19 months” leading up to his passing.

The actor’s life was cut short despite making positive strides in overcoming his past struggles. The coroner’s report reveals that Perry had engaged in a game of pickleball earlier on the day of his death, seemingly in good health.

His assistant, who discovered him face down in the pool upon returning from errands, conveyed that Perry had not displayed any signs of illness, had not complained about his health, and had not exhibited recent alcohol or drug use.

The latest revelations regarding Perry’s passing come shortly after close friends and family gathered on November 3 in Los Angeles to bid farewell to the beloved star in an intimate funeral. 

In attendance were all five of his Friends co-stars— Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer. Perry’s family, including his father John Bennett Perry and his stepfather Keith Morrison were also in attendance.

With approximately twenty mourners present, the service remained a small and private affair

Perry’s journey into the world of entertainment began in his early years when, at the age of 15, he moved from Ottawa, Canada, to Los Angeles, California, to chase his acting dreams.

Perry’s first on-screen appearance came when he secured the role of Chazz Russell in the TV series Second Chance. The show later evolved into Boys Will Be Boys, focusing on Chazz and his friends. Despite the show’s brief run, Perry’s determination to succeed in Hollywood was unwavering.

His breakthrough came when he landed the part of Chandler Bing in the hit series Friends in 1994.

His portrayal of Chandler Bing, one of the show’s iconic characters, catapulted him to international stardom. The sitcom’s unparalleled success also earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2002.

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-with AP.