“It’s appropriate for it to take long,” Melinek said. “Sometimes it takes months to do a proper investigation.”
Perry did not shy away from speaking publicly about his struggles with drinking and drug use, which sometimes led to hospitalizations for a range of ailments. By his own account, Perry had spent more than half of his life in treatment and rehab facilities.
In his 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing,” Perry shared in detail some of the health challenges he had faced over the years, including a series of medical episodes in 2018 that included pneumonia, an exploded colon, a brief stint on life support, two weeks in a coma, nine months with a colostomy bag and more than a half-dozen stomach surgeries.
Perry was just 24 when he was cast in “Friends,” a show that would forever change his life and one that would firmly plant his feet in the limelight. That sitcom ran for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004, and eventually earned him and his co-stars $1 million per episode. During “Friends,” Perry starred in a number of movies, some of which failed to capture audiences at the box office, including “Almost Heroes” (1998) with Chris Farley, and “Three to Tango” (1999).
After Perry’s death, tributes from fans and friends washed over the internet, many remembering him for his acting talent, kindness and bravery in the face of his challenges. His fellow “Friends” actors said in a joint statement that they were “utterly devastated” by Perry’s sudden death. “We were more than just cast mates,” the statement said. “We are a family.”
A private funeral for Perry was held on Nov. 3, according to People. The magazine said a service was held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, a cemetery where many of Hollywood’s biggest stars were buried, including Debbie Reynolds, Paul Walker and Bob Barker.
Orlando Mayorquin and Andrew Jacobs contributed reporting.
It is with profound sadness that we report the demise of Matthew Perry, the distinguished actor best known for portraying the beloved character of Chandler Bing on the popular television sitcom Friends. According to an autopsy report released by the Office of the Coroner of Las Vegas, Nevada, Matthew Perry had died of “acute effects of ketamine.”
Ketamine, also known as K, special K, or cat Valium, is a synthetic psychedelic drug that has been referred to as a “dissociative anesthetic” It is often used recreationally and has serious side effects, including hallucinations and delirium. Although the exact cause of Matthew Perry’s death has not yet been determined, the autopsy report stated that ketamine abuse may have aggravated Matthew’s pre-existing health issues.
This news has left fans of Matthew Perry in despair as he had been a beloved icon of many since his breakthrough role in Friends. It is a particularly tragic event, given that Perry had previously spoken openly about his substance abuse struggles. Matthew had long been battling an addiction to alcohol and prescription drugs, and he spent several years in rehab before eventually recovering in 2011.
Matthew’s friends and colleagues have paid tribute to him, remembering him as a generous and caring person. In a statement, Perry’s ex-wife, Mary Snow, said, “Matthew was the most generous man. He was kind, thoughtful, and talented, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.”
It is truly heartbreaking to lose such a beloved star and the heartfelt outpouring of grief and remembrance is a testament to how Matthew Perry will be forever in our minds and hearts. We extend our deepest sympathies to his friends and family.
