Los Angeles, California – Authorities are nearing the completion of a criminal investigation into the death of actor Matthew Perry, with reports indicating that multiple individuals may face charges in connection to his passing. According to sources within law enforcement who spoke on the condition of anonymity, a federal probe into the supply of ketamine to the “Friends” actor before his death could result in charges against several people.
PEOPLE magazine, NBC News, and ABC News have all reported on the ongoing investigation, noting that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will make the final decision on whether to pursue charges. The case may be referred back to state prosecutors if federal charges are not filed. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner determined that Perry’s cause of death was attributed to the “acute effects of ketamine” after he was found unresponsive in his Pacific Palisades home in October 2023.
Law enforcement agencies including the Los Angeles Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Postal Inspector are working to identify who supplied Perry with ketamine. The autopsy report revealed trace amounts of ketamine in Perry’s system, indicating that it could not have been from his most recent infusion therapy for depression and anxiety.
In addition to ketamine, contributing factors to Perry’s death included drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine. The manner of death was ruled as accidental (drug and drowning-related), with no suspicion of foul play. Throughout his life, Perry was open about his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, leading his loved ones to establish the Matthew Perry Foundation to support those battling addiction.
The foundation, driven by Perry’s passion for helping others, aims to honor his legacy and make a difference in as many lives as possible. As the investigation into Perry’s death progresses, the role of various individuals in the supply and consumption of ketamine continues to be scrutinized by law enforcement agencies.