Matthew Perry’s death stemmed from the “acute effects of ketamine,” according to the autopsy report released by the Los Angeles coroner on Friday. However, it sounds like there was a lot more involved.
Perry, who passed away on Oct. 28, was 54 years old.
The autopsy lists ketamine as the root cause of death. It also states drowning, coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects as contributing factors. Buprenorphine is used to help addicts get off of opioids.
Matthew Perry’s death was ruled an accident.
According to the medical examiner, the ketamine in Perry’s system caused respiratory depression and cardiovascular overstimulation. The autopsy suggests that he likely lapsed into unconsciousness before drowning under the water.
There is a lot of confusion surrounding the ketamine in his system.
Matthew Perry received ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety. However, his most recent treatment took place more than 10 days prior to his death.
Ketamine’s half life is no more than three to four hours, which means that the drug in his system at death could not have been from an infusion. It was more recent. His method of intake is listed as unknown, and while prescription drugs and loose pills were found at his home, none were found near the pool. There was no evidence of alcohol, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, PCP or fentanyl.
Smoking was not listed as a contributing factor in the report. However, it does note that he smoked two packs of cigarettes a day and had COPD/emphysema and diabetes.
The medical examiner also said that based on interviews, Perry was clean and sober for 19 months after struggling with addiction throughout much of his life.
It is all very confusing. Ultimately, based on the final report, there were a lot of different elements involved with Perry’s untimely death. His demons tragically caught up with him all at once.