The investigation into Matthew Perry’s death remains active as authorities strive to uncover who supplied him with ketamine, seven months after the drug was detected in his system. The beloved Friends actor, who passed away at 54, had struggled with substance abuse for decades, a battle he often spoke about openly.
Perry was found dead in his hot tub at his Los Angeles home in October of the previous year. The post-mortem toxicology report indicated that he had a dose of ketamine in his system similar to what doctors administer to surgical patients. Despite the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruling his death as accidental, the circumstances surrounding how Perry obtained the ketamine are still under investigation. Law enforcement sources have confirmed to TMZ that the inquiry focuses on two critical questions: who provided the drug, and under what conditions it was supplied.
Sources suggest that investigators have already questioned key individuals within Hollywood’s substance abuse circles who might have information leading to Perry’s ketamine supplier. No arrests have been made to date, but the investigation continues to progress.
The events leading to Perry’s death began with a cardiac arrest 911 call on October 28, 2023. First responders arrived at his Pacific Palisades home to find the actor unresponsive in his hot tub. He was pronounced dead at the scene. According to reports, Perry’s personal assistant, Kenny Iwamasa, who was purportedly living with Perry, discovered him face-down in the water after returning from running errands.
In the days leading up to his death, Perry had posted a picture of himself in the same hot tub on Instagram, captioning it: “Oh, so warm water swirling around makes you feel good?” The tragic irony of this post highlighted the unexpected nature of his death.
The toxicology report confirmed Perry died from the acute effects of ketamine. Initial speculation suggested he might have drowned, but it became clear that the ketamine played a significant role. Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety, but the ketamine found in his system was from a secondary source, unrelated to his medical treatment.
Matthew Perry’s battle with addiction began early in his life. He had his first drink at the age of 14, and following a jet ski accident in 1997, he became addicted to Vicodin, a powerful opioid-based painkiller. “I liked how it made me feel, and I wanted to get more,” he told People Magazine, reflecting on his initial experiences with the drug.
Perry’s addiction led to multiple stints in rehab, starting in 1997 and followed by relapses in 2000. By the early 2000s, his addiction had escalated dramatically. He recounted drinking vodka by the quart, arriving on set sleep-deprived and shaky. His substance abuse issues were apparent during the filming of Friends, where he often appeared under the influence. Jennifer Aniston, his co-star, noted that he frequently smelled of alcohol.
Despite his struggles, Perry’s talent shone through, and he became a beloved figure for his role as Chandler Bing. His colleagues on Friends supported him, but his addiction continued to take a toll. At his worst, Perry consumed a bottle of vodka per night, snorted cocaine, and took opiates, including up to 55 Vicodin pills a day. His memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, provides a candid account of his addiction, revealing that he spent $9 million on his quest for sobriety and attended over 6,000 AA meetings.
By 2021, Perry claimed to have overcome his addiction, but the demons of his past continued to haunt him. His death was a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those struggling with addiction and the importance of ongoing support and treatment.
Perry’s death left a void in the entertainment world and among his friends and family. His legacy endures through his iconic role on Friends, which continues to be a source of joy and laughter for fans around the globe. His co-stars have openly mourned his loss, with Courtney Cox recently sharing that she still feels his presence and believes he visits her, underscoring the profound impact he had on those around him.
The ongoing investigation into the ketamine found in Perry’s system highlights the complexities of substance abuse and the need for comprehensive approaches to addiction treatment and prevention. As authorities continue to seek answers, Perry’s life and struggles serve as a poignant reminder of the devastating effects of addiction and the enduring legacy of those who battle it.
While Matthew Perry’s story is one of immense talent and enduring struggles, it also brings attention to the broader issue of substance abuse in the entertainment industry and beyond. His life and untimely death underscore the importance of compassion, support, and continued efforts to address addiction at all levels.