Matthew Perry, widely known for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic television series Friends, tragically passed away at the age of 54. The Los Angeles County medical examiner's office released an autopsy report, revealing that Perry's death was primarily caused by the "acute effects" of ketamine, a powerful anaesthetic with psychedelic properties, reports The New York Times.
Perry was discovered unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on October 28, sparking widespread shock and grief among fans. The autopsy report disclosed that drowning, coronary artery disease, and the presence of the opioid buprenorphine had also contributed to his untimely demise.
However, the report highlighted that the primary cause of death was attributed to the "acute effects of ketamine." Ketamine, once primarily used as an anaesthetic, has gained popularity as an alternative therapy for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The recreational use of ketamine is also not uncommon.
The autopsy findings revealed that Perry had undergone ketamine infusion therapy, but the ketamine in his system at the time of death could not be linked to his last known therapy session, which occurred approximately a week and a half before the tragic incident. The report emphasized that the high levels of ketamine found in his postmortem blood would lead to cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression, effects equivalent to those experienced during general anaesthesia.
Additionally, toxicology tests detected "therapeutic" levels of buprenorphine, a drug commonly used to treat addiction and pain. Perry's live-in assistant stated in a witness statement that he was following a prescribed regimen of buprenorphine twice a day as part of his treatment. The report also revealed that sedatives were present in Perry's system, but there was no evidence of alcohol, methamphetamine, or cocaine.
Details from the unsealed records shed light on Perry's final day. Witnesses reported that he played pickleball in the morning, and his assistant left the residence around 1:37 p.m. for errands. Upon returning at 4 p.m., Perry was discovered floating face down in the hot tub. Despite immediate efforts to assist, paramedics pronounced him dead upon arrival.
The autopsy report underscores the potential dangers associated with the recreational or therapeutic use of ketamine, emphasizing the need for caution and adherence to proper medical protocols. The tragic loss of Matthew Perry serves as a reminder of the complex challenges faced by individuals grappling with mental health issues and addiction.
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