The late Friends star Matthew Perry who passed away on October 28, 2023, allegedly died of “acute effects of ketamine” according to the toxicology report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, via Variety. He had allegedly been on ketamine infusion therapy to deal with his anxiety and depression. The intake of the drug is unknown. 

With that, there were allegedly other factors in Perry’s death such as drowning and the effects of a drug used to treat opioid usage called buprenorphine. With all of these factors at play, the death was ruled as an accident. According to Variety, the toxicology report also states that “At the high levels of ketamine found in his postmortem blood specimens, the main lethal effects would be from both cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression.” Perry had struggled with substance abuse in the past, specifically during his time on Friends, but turned himself around and had been very open about his recovery from his addiction.

Perry was best known for his work on Friends as the character Chandler Bing. The series debuted in the 90s and came to its conclusion after 10 seasons in the early 2000s. Upon his death, the cast of Friends Jennifer Aniston (Murder Mystery), Courteney Cox (Scream), Lisa Kudrow (The Comeback), Matt LeBlanc (Episodes), and David Schwimmer (Madagascar), released a statement saying: “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss. In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.” They would later post personal tributes to social media. 

Perry passed away in his LA home on October 28, 2023. He was discovered in his hot tub and the authorities arrived at the scene at approximately 4 p.m. PST. The scene had no signs of drugs or any sort of foul play, thus leading to first responders being called in for cardiac arrest. Up until now the official cause of death was unknown.