Following the tragic death of beloved actor Matthew Perry, his cause of death has now been confirmed.
The devastating news broke on Saturday October 28, confirming the passing of the 54-year-old Friends actor. First responders found Perry unresponsive at his Los Angeles residence.
The Los Angeles Times reported that authorities arrived at the scene around 4:00PM on Saturday, October 28, discovering him in an unresponsive state in a hot tub, before he was later declared dead.
Perry’s family issued a brief but poignant statement, expressing their gratitude to his fans for the outpouring of support
Perry’s family told People: “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother. Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend. You all meant so much to him, and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love.”
At the time of his passing, law enforcement informed the LA Times that no drugs were discovered at the scene, and stated that no foul play was involved in the star’s untimely passing.
Perry’s official cause of death has now been confirmed, as reported by TMZ.
Perry, who played Chandler Bing on the hit TV sitcom from 1994-2004, died at the age of 54, having struggled for decades with addiction and related serious health issues.
“Contributing factors in Mr. Perry’s death include drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine (used to treat opioid use disorder),” the medical examiner said in a statement. “The manner of death is accident. ”
Perry was found unconscious in a hot tub at his house in Los Angeles on October 28. First responders were unable to revive him, and an initial post-mortem proved inconclusive, pending a toxicology report.
Doctors and veterinarians often employ ketamine as an anesthetic, and researchers explore it as a treatment for depression. Underground users take it illicitly for its hallucinogenic effects.
“Friends,” which followed the lives of six New Yorkers navigating adulthood, dating and careers, drew a massive global following.
But even as he delivered on-air gag after gag — and earned a fortune, Matthew Perry was struggling.
He attended multiple rehabilitation clinics to combat addiction to painkillers and alcohol. In 2018 he suffered a burst colon, related to drug usage, and underwent multiple surgeries.