Matthew Perry’s drug death ‘could spark charges'

Matthew Perry's autopsy was killed by “acute effects of ketamine”, according to his autopsy report. (AP PHOTO)

Matthew Perry’s drug death might result in “multiple people” being charged.

The Friends star was found dead aged 54 in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home in October 2023, with an autopsy revealing he had been killed by “acute effects of ketamine”.

A police source has now told People several people could - and should - be charged in connection to the actor’s shock death after his years of battling drink and drugs addictions that left him on the verge of death before he sought help in rehab.

“A law enforcement investigative source (says the) investigation into Matthew Perry’s ketamine death is ‘nearing its conclusion’ and police believe ‘multiple people’ should be charged,” the outlet reported.

“The source says the US Attorney’s Office will make the ultimate decision on whether or not to press charges.”

It was reported in May that police and federal agents were trying to identify where the actor - who spent years battling drink and drug addictions - bought the drug.

“Law enforcement sources tell us there is an ongoing investigation into where Matthew got the ketamine that ended up playing a part in his death - and the main questions are who provided the drug, and under what circumstances,” TMZ reported at the time.

The cast of Friends at the Emmys in 2002
Friends co-star Courteney Cox (third from right) said she believed Matthew Perry still "visits" her.

"Our sources say both local police and the DEA have been looking into this matter for months, but it’s unclear where exactly investigators are in the probe.

“We do know they’ve already interviewed some key people in Hollywood.

“While our sources could not provide names they told us investigators have approached and spoken to people who are known to have a history of drug use or abuse.

“We’re told those people are not necessarily the actual source of ketamine, but they could have information leading to the source."

The LA County Medical Examiner’s Office revealed in December Matthew’s death was drug-related.

Drowning, coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects were also listed as other contributing factors in his passing.

At the time, a medical expert speculated to The New York Post that the actor had “likely” obtained ketamine illegally for “recreational use”.

Even though Perry was undergoing ketamine treatment for anxiety and depression at the time of his death, his autopsy report noted “the ketamine in his system at death could not be from that infusion therapy”.

Perry's Friends co-stars have continued to honour him since his death, with Courteney Cox telling CBS Sunday Morning she thought he still “visits” her, adding: “I sense Matthew’s around, for sure.”

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