Newly Released Toxicology Report Reveals Matthew Perry’s Cause Of Death

The actor, who was best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit television show Friends, previously opened up about his struggle with drug addiction in his memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. 

In this deeply personal account, Perry details his battle with substance abuse and the impact it had on his life and career. 

The memoir offers readers a raw and honest look into the world of addiction, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals in recovery.

Perry’s decision to share his story in this memoir is a courageous one. 

The memoir, released in late 2022, not only delves into Perry’s personal struggles with drug addiction but also explores the impact it had on his relationships and career. 

From having his first taste of alcohol at 14 to forming a full-on addiction by 18 before finding himself hooked on prescription drugs that almost ended his life in 2018 when he was hospitalized and put on life support, this book is not for the faint of heart.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing offers readers an intimate look at the challenges Perry faced while trying to maintain a successful acting career while battling his inner demons.

And it’s heartbreaking to know how Perry’s life story ends. 

By opening up about his struggles, he had hoped to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and encourage others to seek help. 

Through his honesty and vulnerability, Perry showed that there is no shame in asking for assistance and that recovery is possible.

The actor died from the acute effects of ketamine, according to an autopsy report released by the Los Angeles County medical examiner. 

Perry was found unresponsive in a pool at his Los Angeles home, and his death was ruled as accidental with no signs of foul play, per the report.

The autopsy, which was conducted one day after his death, also mentioned contributing factors such as drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of the medication buprenorphine. 

Perry had openly struggled with addiction and had been receiving ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety. 

Ketamine, for those who aren’t aware, is an FDA-approved anesthetic but has risks and can cause hallucinations. 

However, high levels of ketamine were found in Perry’s blood, which indicated that his cause of death was not from the infusion therapy itself. 

The exact manner in which Perry took the drug remains unknown.

It is important to note that Perry had been clean from drugs for 19 months prior to his death, as mentioned in the autopsy report. 

This suggests that his use of ketamine was not a result of a relapse but rather a consequence of his ongoing struggle with mental health issues. 

Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy, which involves the controlled administration of ketamine under medical supervision to treat depression and anxiety. 

While ketamine has been found to be effective in some cases, it also carries potential risks, especially when used outside of a controlled medical setting.

The toxicology report revealed that high levels of ketamine were present in his blood at the time of his death, indicating that he had consumed a significant amount of the drug. 

However, it is not known how Perry obtained the ketamine or whether he intentionally or accidentally overdosed on it. 

The autopsy report did not provide any definitive answers regarding these questions.

Matthew Perry’s battle with addiction and mental health issues was well-documented. 

In his memoir and public statements, he spoke openly about his struggles and emphasized the importance of seeking help for addiction. 

His untimely death serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating impact that addiction can have on individuals’ lives, even after periods of sobriety.