The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that they are investigating the death of Canadian-American actor Matthew Perry and have launched a joint criminal investigation with the Drug Enforcement Administration to look into the source of ketamine, also known as K-Phenylene.
Matthew Perry, who rose to global stardom for his portrayal of “Chandler” in the popular sitcom “Friends” (1994-2004), drowned in his bathtub at the age of 54 last October. In December, authorities released toxicology and autopsy results. The initial investigation report indicated that the cause of death was “acute effects of ketamine” followed by accidental drowning.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the autopsy report revealed that high levels of ketamine were found in Matthew’s blood samples postmortem, with the primary fatal effects stemming from cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory suppression.
Matthew was also diagnosed with coronary artery disease, and trace amounts of buprenorphine, a powerful painkiller classified as a synthetic opioid, were found in his blood. Officially, his cause of death was ruled as an accidental incident, but authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
On the local date of the 21st, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) stated that Matthew died from ketamine, and the department is conducting a criminal investigation while looking into the source of the ketamine. The federal agencies, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service, are also involved in the investigation.
A spokesperson for the LAPD stated, “Based on the findings of the investigation, it is possible that criminal responsibility may be pursued, but we have not reached that point yet.” He mentioned that authorities are investigating where Matthew obtained the drugs and who supplied them.
Ketamine, colloquially known as K-Phen, is a hallucinogenic anesthetic used for treating depression among other uses. On the other hand, buprenorphine is primarily used for treating severe chronic pain and managing opioid addiction as well as acute and chronic pain.
Matthew had struggled with alcohol and drug addiction for a long time. In his memoir “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing” published in 2022, he revealed a lesser-known side of his life: battling addiction to painkillers, the treatment of which cost him $9 million at one point. Before his passing, he had plans to establish a foundation to support those struggling with substance abuse.