Investigation Underway into the Source of Ketamine Linked to Matthew Perry's Tragic Passing

Law enforcement officials are looking into where Matthew Perry got the ketamine that contributed to his death in October 2023.

The investigation into Perry's passing concluded in January. However, TMZ revealed on Tuesday, May 21, that authorities are still trying to figure out how and where he acquired the ketamine. Both the Los Angeles police and the Drug Enforcement Administration have been working on this case for several months.

Authorities found Perry unresponsive in a hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home on October 28, 2023. He was 54 years old and there was no indication of foul play.

Two months later, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office confirmed that Perry passed away due to the acute effects of ketamine. The toxicology report from December 2023 also noted drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine as contributing factors. His death was deemed accidental.

In his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, Perry revealed that he’d undergone ketamine treatments “to ease pain and help with depression.”

Authorities Investigating Matthew Perry Ketamine Source After His Death 2

Ketamine was a widely used street drug during the 1980s. Nowadays, there is a synthetic version of it available. While undergoing treatment, I would often feel disconnected from reality. It seemed like the perfect fit for me - they could have just named it 'Matty.'

Perry shared that he decided to stop using ketamine because of how he felt after the treatments. He described the experience as different and interesting, but ultimately the negative effects outweighed the positive ones.

Before his passing, Perry was open about his struggles with addiction, especially during his time on Friends as Chandler Bing. In his memoir, he admitted to being sober for only one season of the show, season 9, which he jokingly referred to as "the one where everyone was talking about Chandler."

In his memoir, he shared that you can see the pattern of his addiction by looking at his weight throughout the seasons. When he's heavier, it's because of alcohol, and when he's skinny, it's due to pills. He also noted that having a goatee meant he was using lots of pills.

Before he passed away, Perry expressed his wish to be remembered for the help he provided to people during their toughest moments.

"I want to be remembered as someone who lived well, loved well, and was a seeker," he shared on the "Q With Tom Power" podcast in 2022. "My main goal is to help people. That's what matters most to me."

He continued, "The most important thing about me is that I am always willing to help. If someone asks for my assistance in overcoming their struggles, like alcoholism, I will say 'yes' and support them through it. When I pass away, I hope to be remembered for my willingness to help others, rather than just being known as a Friend. I plan to spend the rest of my days demonstrating this commitment."

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Editor's P/S:

Matthew Perry's tragic demise has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world and beyond. While the investigation into his death continues, the revelation that ketamine played a role in his untimely passing highlights the devastating consequences of drug abuse. Perry's open struggles with addiction, documented in his memoir, serve as a poignant reminder of the insidious nature of addiction and the constant battle individuals face in overcoming it.

The ongoing investigation into the source of the ketamine underscores the determination of law enforcement to tackle the illegal drug trade. Substance abuse remains a prevalent issue, affecting countless lives and leaving an immeasurable void in families and communities. Perry's untimely death serves as a wake-up call, urging us to address the root causes of addiction and provide support to those in need. By raising awareness and advocating for access to treatment and recovery resources, we can work towards a future where the scourge of drug abuse is diminished and individuals are empowered to live healthy and fulfilling lives.