LOS ANGELES (AP) The autopsy results for Matthew Perry, the 54-year-old actor best known for his role in "Friends," were released on Friday. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner revealed that Perry died from the acute effects of the anesthetic ketamine. The autopsy report stated that Perry also drowned in the heated section of his pool, marking his death as an accident. Those close to Perry informed investigators that he was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety. However, the levels of ketamine in his body were deemed consistent with those used for general anesthesia during surgery, unrelated to his recent therapy.

Coronary artery disease and buprenorphine, a medication for opioid use disorder, were identified as additional contributing factors to Perry's death. Dr. Andrew Stolbach, a medical toxicologist with Johns Hopkins Medicine, emphasized the high levels of ketamine detected, explaining that it could have caused Perry to lose consciousness and control in the water. Perry, who had been declared clean for 19 months, played pickleball earlier on the day of his death. The autopsy highlighted the risky combination of ketamine and buprenorphine, especially given his pre-existing coronary artery disease.

Matthew Perry, a television star during his time on "Friends," passed away at his Pacific Palisades home, leaving his colleagues, friends, and fans in shock. The autopsy report shed light on the circumstances surrounding his death, revealing a mix of factors involving ketamine, drowning, and underlying health conditions. Perry's struggles with addiction, chronicled in his 2022 memoir, added a layer of complexity to his untimely demise.