Matthew Perry’s Ketamine Death Investigated by DEA, LAPD

The DEA and LAPD have launched a criminal investigation into Matthew Perry‘s death, which was caused by acute ketamine effects last year.

Variety confirmed with a LAPD spokesperson that there is an ongoing investigation into Perry’s death; the Los Angeles Times reported the DEA is also involved.

Perry died on Saturday, Oct. 28 2023, at 54 years old. When authorities arrived at his Los Angeles home at 4 p.m., they found him unconscious in his hot tub. Although first responders were called for cardiac arrest, the toxicology report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office later revealed the actor died from “the acute effects of ketamine.” Investigators are now trying to decipher where Perry got the ketamine and how so much of it got into his system.

Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety prior to his overdose. The toxicology report continued: “At the high levels of ketamine found in his postmortem blood specimens, the main lethal effects would be from both cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression.”

The “Friends” star’s death shocked the world, and many of his co-stars posted tributes to him.

“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss,” his “Friends” cast members Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer wrote in a joint statement following his death. “In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”