DEA Is Investigating Matthew Perry's Death Following Findings of Acute Ketamine Effects

Matthew Perry‘s death shook the world with fans and co-stars alike sharing their dismay on what had happened. New details have emerged regarding his death that have now triggered a DEA and LAPD criminal investigation.

Perry’s death last year was caused by acute ketamine effects and Variety confirmed with a LAPD spokesperson that there is currently an ongoing investigation into his death. Perry, who was found unconscious in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home, had a toxocology report that revealed that he died from “acute effects of ketamine.” The investigation is said to move forward in hopes of determining how so much of the ketamine got into Perry’s system. Investigators are trying tot determine just how he got his hands on potentially lethal doses and whether or not it was obtained legally.

Ketamine is considered a powerful anesthetic that has grown increasingly popular as a form of alternative therapy to combat anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Perry has been open in the past with struggling from mental health issues and the autopsy report confirms that Perry had used ketamine infusion therapy. New York Times reporetd that that the ketamine found in his system could not have been from his latest therapy session, which was a bout a week and a half before he died. The toxicology report stated, “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 levels of ketamine in his system were equivalent to the amount used during general anesthesia. The medical examiner’s office confirmed that his the use of the treatment drug, coronary artery disease, buprenorphine and the drowning all contributed to Perry’s death.

His death shocked the world and at the time, his Friends co-stars released a joint statement, “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. 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.”