Federal authorities are currently examining how actor Matthew Perry obtained the ketamine that resulted in his tragic death in October last year.
Initially considered a closed case, the situation evolved into a comprehensive inquiry involving local authorities and DEA agents, Daily Mail reported.
Matthew Perry, 54, died from an acute ketamine overdose on October 28, 2023. The actor was discovered face-down and unresponsive in the jacuzzi adjacent to his swimming pool at his residence in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner determined that Perry's death was an accidental ketamine overdose, with secondary drowning as a contributing factor. At first, his passing was merely recorded as an unfortunate accident with no deeper investigation. The case has since unraveled to reveal larger concerns about how Perry acquired the powerful anesthetic. Federal agents have now commenced interrogating "key people in Hollywood" known to have histories of substance abuse.
Despite the uncertainty regarding the ketamine's origin, investigators hope these interviews will shed light on its source. The examination report noted trace amounts of the drug in Perry's stomach, alongside the discovery of both prescription medications and loose pills within his home.
Perry had been receiving ketamine infusion therapy to combat depression and anxiety, with his last session occurring over a week before his death, eliminating it as the immediate cause. The concentration of ketamine found in his system was high, akin to levels used in general anesthesia, which likely caused severe cardiac overstimulation and respiratory problems, leading to loss of consciousness and secondary drowning.
Perry's pre-existing coronary artery disease and use of buprenorphine for pain management increased his vulnerability to these effects. Autopsy reports confirmed no presence of alcohol or illicit drugs like cocaine, heroin, or fentanyl in his system, though his memoirs indicated a history of addiction struggles with periods of relapse.
The actor had been candid about his long-standing battle with addiction to various substances, including ketamine. Perry had endured numerous rehabilitation stints and grave health complications, such as a burst colon in 2018 that necessitated multiple surgeries.
In his memoir, "Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing," Perry described ketamine's allure and powerful effects but also acknowledged the severe drawbacks: "Taking K is like being hit in the head with a giant happy shovel. But the hangover was rough and outweighed the shovel."
Perry's introspection continued with an acknowledgment of his struggle, admitting, "I have mostly been sober since 2001, save for about sixty or seventy little mishaps over the years."
One close friend emphasized the rampant misconceptions about Perry's sobriety: "He lied to everyone about being clean. He never was. It is very sad. You know, the biggest lie he told was probably to himself." The sentiment was echoed by another insider who remarked, "He could be quite a manipulative person when it came to his struggles with using, but it was such a struggle, such a battle, and he battled every day to the end."
Considering these revelations, federal authorities are determined to trace the ketamine's source. The investigation's broader implications are also resonating through Hollywood, where substance abuse remains an acknowledged issue.
Matthew Perry's death has shed light on the severe consequences of addiction, prompting federal investigations into the sources of his fatal ketamine dose. The inquiry is causing concern in the entertainment industry, suggesting possible widespread issues. The ultimate goal of the investigation is to achieve justice for Perry and tackle the pervasive problem of substance abuse in the entertainment industry.
