The Los Angeles Police Department has launched a criminal investigation into the death of Matthew Perry, the American-Canadian actor best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom “Friends.” Perry, whose character was beloved for his sarcastic one-liners and endearing personality, passed away at the age of 54. He was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home in October 2023.
Perry’s death was initially ruled an accident, with an autopsy revealing that he died due to the acute effects of ketamine, along with drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine as contributing factors. Ketamine, a medication used as an anesthetic, is sometimes utilized for its hallucinogenic properties. Perry was reportedly undergoing ketamine infusion therapy, an experimental treatment for mental health conditions like treatment-resistant depression and anxiety disorders. However, the high levels of ketamine found in his blood raised questions, especially since his last treatment occurred one and a half weeks before his death.
Perry was open about his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, detailing his journey in his memoir “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing,” published a year before his death. He revealed that he had spent around $9 million trying to achieve sobriety. Despite his challenges, those close to Perry, including “Friends” co-creator Marta Kauffman, stated he was sober and in a good place shortly before his death.
The criminal investigation, involving both the LAPD and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), aims to uncover how Perry obtained the ketamine that contributed to his demise. Authorities have spoken to several key figures in Hollywood with histories of drug use or abuse, hoping to trace the source of the ketamine. No arrests have been made so far, but the investigation is ongoing.
The LAPD issued a statement on social media, providing updates on the investigation and reaffirming their commitment to uncovering the circumstances surrounding Perry’s death. This case highlights the complexities and potential dangers associated with the misuse of powerful medications and the importance of thorough investigations in such high-profile cases.
For those struggling with addiction, resources are available, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the USA and FRANK in the UK, offering confidential advice and support.
