The autopsy, released on Friday, disclosed that the "Friends" star succumbed to the "acute effects" of ketamine, a potent sedative. This, coupled with other factors, led to the actor losing consciousness and drowning in his hot tub. The report emerged almost seven weeks after Perry, aged 54, acknowledged a history of drug and alcohol abuse and was discovered lifeless in the jacuzzi of his Los Angeles residence by his live-in assistant.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's report indicated elevated levels of ketamine, a short-acting anesthetic with hallucinogenic properties, consistent with general anesthesia used in monitored surgical care. The autopsy unequivocally stated, "Matthew Perry's cause of death is determined to be from the acute effects of ketamine."
Contributing factors listed in his accidental death included coronary artery disease, the presence of the opioid-addiction medicine buprenorphine, and drowning. The concentrations of ketamine in Perry's body would have heightened his heart rate while suppressing his breathing, leading to unconsciousness before he drowned in the hot tub.
The report stated, "The exact method of intake in Mr. Perry's case is unknown," and noted trace amounts of the drug in his stomach with no recent needle marks on his body.
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Ketamine, known as a "dissociative anesthetic hallucinogen," can be administered through injection, liquid mixing, snorting as a powder, or smoking.
Autopsy findings suggested Perry may have self-medicated with ketamine between medically supervised treatments. Witness interviews revealed Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety, with his last known treatment occurring a week and a half before his death.
Perry's death occurred a year after the publication of his memoir, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing," detailing his struggles with addiction. The actor had been sober for 19 months before his death, according to interviews cited in the autopsy.
The scene of his death revealed no alcohol, illicit drugs, or drug paraphernalia. Perry had recently quit smoking, was prescribed Tamoxifen for weight loss, and received testosterone shots. Non-toxic levels of prescription medications were found, but no traces of alcohol, cocaine, heroin, or illegal narcotics.
Despite playing pickleball and appearing in good spirits days before his death, Perry's life ended tragically due to the culmination of factors, primarily the acute effects of ketamine.
(With inputs from Reuters)
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
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