Matthew Perry investigation: Police looking for ketamine source

Matthew Perry died of 'acute effects of ketamine' in October
He was reportedly receiving ketamine infusion therapy
LAPD investigating origin of the ketamine found in Perry's system

Updated: May 21, 2024 / 02:15 PM CDT

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – OCTOBER 14: Actor Matthew Perry arrives at the 9th Annual Dinner Benefiting the Lili Claire Foundation at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 14, 2006 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images)

(NewsN atio n) — Police are investigating how actor Matthew Perry obtained the ketamine that ultimately killed the “Friends” star last year, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to NewsNation.

A bystander found Perry, 54, dead in a hot tub Oct. 28 at his Pacific Palisades residence. Perry died before first responders arrived. Toxicology and autopsy results showed the actor died from “acute effects of ketamine.”

Drowning, coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects were contributing factors, according to the report. Buprenorphine is used to treat opioid use disorder. Perry was reported to be receiving ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety.

“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,” an LAPD spokeperson said.

The police department did not provide further details about the investigation.