Death of Matthew Perry sparks criminal investigation by LAPD and DEA

Los Angeles police and the Drug Enforcement Administration have launched a joint criminal investigation into the death of Friends star Matthew Perry.

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Perry died from the acute effects of the anesthetic ketamine, in what was ruled an accident with no signs of foul play, on October 28, 2023. While Perry was undergoing therapy with ketamine infusion, a method used to help treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, drug and alcohol problems, chronic pain, etc., his autopsy stated that “the ketamine present in his system at the time “The death could not have come from this infusion therapy since the half-life of ketamine is three to four hours or less.”

The LAPD and DEA have now opened a criminal investigation, which will examine how Perry came to have so much ketamine in his system at the time of his death and how he came to possess it in general.

Perry spoke openly about his battle with addiction and was passionate about helping those who faced the same struggles. The entire entertainment industry was shaken by his death and a wave of tributes subsequently emerged.

Her Friends co-stars Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer all wrote touching tributes. LeBlanc, who played Chandler’s best friend Bing on Perry, was the first to speak out, saying that “the times we spent together are honestly some of the favorite times of my life.”

Image credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Ryan Dinsdale is a freelance journalist for IGN. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.