Matthew Perry’s death has been declared as accidental, the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner has confirmed.
Perry’s death was caused by “acute effects of ketamine,” which caused him to drown.
The medical examiner also pointed to coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine, a prescribed drug, as contributing factors to his death.
You can read the full judgement below.
“The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner (DME) determined the cause of death for 54-year-old actor Matthew Langford Perry as the acute effects of ketamine,” the medical examiner said in a statement.
“On October 29, the deputy medical examiner completed an autopsy on Perry.
“Following the completion and receipt of relevant test results, the cause and manner of death were certified.
“The manner of death is accident.”
From Canada to Hollywood: Matthew Perry’s life in pictures
Ketamine is a dissociative drug, used both medically and recreationally.
The Friends star was open about his struggles with addiction, detailing his uphill climb to sobriety in his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.
Perry was vocal about wanting to help others through addiction and was an advocate for treatment instead of incarceration for drug-related offences.
Perry was found unresponsive in a hot tub in his backyard on October 28.
He rose to fame on the hit 90s sitcom Friends, playing the charming and hilarious Chandler Bing.
County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner full statement
The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner (DME) determined the cause of death for 54-year-old actor Matthew Langford Perry as the acute effects of ketamine. Contributing factors in Mr. Perry’s death include drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine (used to treat opioid use disorder). The manner of death is accident.
On October 28, at approximately 1600 hours, Mr. Perry was found unresponsive in the pool at his residence. After 911 was called, paramedics responded to the scene and death was pronounced.
DME responded, conducted a scene investigation and then transported Mr. Perry’s body to the DME’s Forensic Science Center for examination.
On October 29, the deputy medical examiner completed an autopsy on Mr. Perry. Following the completion and receipt of relevant test results, the cause and manner of death were certified.