16-12-2023 (LOS ANGELES) The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office announced that actor Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the popular TV sitcom “Friends,” died due to the acute effects of ketamine. Perry, who battled addiction and related health issues for many years, passed away at the age of 54.
According to the medical examiner’s statement, Perry’s death was an accident, with contributing factors including drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder.
The tragic incident took place on October 28 when Perry was found unconscious in a hot tub at his Los Angeles residence. Despite the efforts of first responders, they were unable to revive him. Initially, the cause of death remained inconclusive, pending the results of a toxicology report.
Ketamine is commonly used by doctors and veterinarians as an anesthetic, and it is also being studied as a potential treatment for depression. However, some individuals misuse it for its hallucinogenic effects.
“Friends,” which followed the lives of six New Yorkers navigating adulthood, relationships, and careers, garnered a massive global following. Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing endeared him to audiences worldwide.
Behind the scenes, Perry struggled with personal challenges. He sought help for addiction to painkillers and alcohol, attending multiple rehabilitation clinics. In 2018, he experienced a burst colon, which was linked to his drug use and necessitated multiple surgeries.
In his memoir titled “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing,” published last year, Perry candidly discussed his numerous detox experiences. The book was dedicated to “all of the sufferers out there,” with a poignant prologue stating, “I should be dead.”
“I have mostly been sober since 2001,” Perry wrote, “save for about sixty or seventy little mishaps over the years.”
The sudden passing of Matthew Perry has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, eliciting heartfelt reactions from fellow A-listers, his co-stars, and devoted “Friends” fans around the world.
Jennifer Aniston, who portrayed Rachel on the show, expressed her deep sorrow, stating, “Oh boy, this one has cut deep.” She further reflected on their bond, writing on Instagram, “He was such a part of our DNA. We were always the 6 of us. This was a chosen family that forever changed the course of who we were and what our path was going to be.”
Matt LeBlanc, who played Perry’s roommate and best friend on “Friends,” shared his memories, saying, “The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life.”
