Matthew Perry: Arrest Made in Death of 'Friends' Actor (Report)
Aug. 15, 2024, 2:55 p.m.
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An arrest has been made in connection with a drug investigation into the death of “ Friends ” star Matthew Perry .
According to the Los Angeles Times , law enforcement officials stated on Thursday that an individual has been taken into custody in relation to Perry’s death. The 54-year-old actor was discovered deceased in the hot tub of his L.A. residence on Oct. 28, and traces of the drug ketamine were detected in his system.
At the time, it was ruled an accidental overdose. But in May, t h e L A P D they were working with federal authorities to investigate the source of the ketamine he had consumed. According to the L.A. Times, search warrants were served to those being investigated and evidence has been seized. Federal charges have been filed against multiple people, the Times reported, one of which has a medical license.
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A press conference is scheduled for later Thursday morning, where further details will be shared.
Emergency personnel were initially called to Perry’s home for a cardiac arrest, but the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office found that he died of “acute effects of ketamine .” Contributing factors included drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine (used to treat opioid use disorder).
Before his passing, Perry had reportedly been undergoing ketamine therapy to manage depression and anxiety. According to the medical examiner’s toxicology report, “At the high concentrations of ketamine detected in his postmortem blood samples, the primary lethal effects would stem from both cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory suppression.”
Perry was cherished for his portrayal of the hilarious and lovable “Friends” character Chandler Bing. Following his passing, his “Friends” castmates Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer expressed in a statement that they were “utterly devastated.”
“We were more than just colleagues. We are a family. There is so much to say, but for now we’re going to take some time to grieve and process this incomprehensible loss,” the statement said. “In due time we will share more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who cherished him across the globe.”
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