At least one person has been arrested in connection with Matthew Perry‘s death from an accidental ketamine overdose, The Associated Press reports citing a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
According to The AP, the official was not authorized to discuss details of the ongoing investigation. A news conference is scheduled later this morning in Los Angeles to announce details.
Found in a hot tub, Perry died October 28, 2023, at age 54 at his home in Los Angeles. On December 15, 2023, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office declared that Perry passed away from the “acute effects of ketamine.” The autopsy report also cited drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine — a drug used to treat opioid use disorder — as contributing to his death.
In May, an LAPD spokesperson told Deadline an open investigation into Perry’s death was underway with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency.
The LAPD issued the following formal statement in May.
“On October 28, 2023, the Los Angeles Police Department responded to the residence of actor Matthew Perry to conduct a death investigation. On October 29, 2023, an autopsy of Mr. Perry was performed by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner. On December 15, 2023, the results of the autopsy indicated that Mr. Perry died from the “acute effects of ketamine.” Based on the Medical Examiner’s findings, the Los Angeles Police Department, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service, has continued its investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Perry’s death.”
Though believed by many to be sober at the time of his death, multi-Emmy nominated Canadian-American actor had a long and well-documented history of battling alcohol and prescription drugs abuse. In fact, not long before his death, Perry had been speaking aloud about his struggles and a desire to help others also fighting addiction. He detailed his past and present struggles in his 2022 best-selling memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing.
Dominic Patten contributed to this report.
Conclusion: The tragic death of Matthew Perry sheds light on the ongoing battle many face with addiction. It serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues and seeking help when needed. As the investigation continues, we can only hope that this incident sparks conversations and actions towards preventing similar tragedies in the future.
