Friends star Matthew Perry died by accident from the "acute effects of ketamine", the official investigation into his death has ruled.
Contributing factors in the 54-year-old actor's death in October included "drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine” (used to treat opioid use disorders), officials announced on Friday, 15 December.
Matthew, who played Chandler Bing in the hit American sitcom, was found “unresponsive in the pool at his residence” on 28 October before he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A post-mortem examination has now concluded the beloved film and TV star died from the “acute effects of ketamine”, while additional contributing factors included “drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine” – which is a substance used to treat opioid use disorder.
The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner confirmed: “The manner of death is accident".
The summary by the senior deputy medical examiner Raffi Djabourian said: “At the high levels of ketamine found in his post-mortem blood specimens, the main lethal effects would be from both cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression.
“Drowning contributes due to the likelihood of submersion into the pool as he lapsed into unconsciousness; coronary artery disease contributes due to exacerbation of ketamine induced myocardial effects on the hearts.”
During his life, Matthew was open about his battle with drug and alcohol addiction – and following his death, a foundation was set up in his name to help other people struggling.
The announcement of the official cause of death came just days after his former co-star Jennifer Aniston revealed she had been messaging him on the morning he died, describing him at the time as “happy and healthy”.
“I want people to know he was really healthy, and getting healthy. He was on a pursuit. He worked so hard. He really was dealt a tough one,” she told Variety magazine.
Matthew was buried in a private ceremony held just over a week after his death at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Los Angeles.
The funeral was attended by Matthew's parents, John Benett Perry, Suzanne, and stepfather Keith Morrison, along with other family members and close friends.
Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow attended the first part of his funeral service but not the private burial that followed.
Please check back regularly for the latest on this developing story as it is updated in real time here.
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