**BREAKING NEWS REPORT – LOS ANGELES, CA**
**SOURCE:** Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office & Los Angeles Police Department
**DATE:** October 28, 2023
**WHAT:** The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the death of actor Matthew Perry. Preliminary autopsy results indicate the cause of death as the acute effects of ketamine, with contributing factors including drowning and coronary artery disease. The manner of death has officially been ruled as accident.
**WHO:** Matthew Perry, 54, best known globally for his iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing on the television series *Friends*.
**WHEN:** Mr. Perry’s body was discovered on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at approximately 4:00 PM Pacific Time.
**WHERE:** At the actor’s residence located in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California.
**WHY:** According to the official report, the primary cause of death was the acute effects of ketamine. The levels of ketamine found in Mr. Perry’s system were consistent with those used for general anesthesia during surgical procedures. While Mr. Perry was reportedly receiving ketamine infusion therapy for depression, the medical examiner has stated that the timing and amount of the drug in his system were not consistent with his last known therapy session, which occurred over a week prior to his death. Drowning and coronary artery disease were cited as contributing factors, but not the underlying cause. The Los Angeles Police Department has closed its investigation, stating there is no evidence of foul play.
**AUTHORITATIVE STATEMENT:** The official report emphasizes the accidental nature of this tragedy, highlighting the significant and unforeseen interaction between the prescribed therapeutic use of a substance and the unpredictable manner in which it was ultimately present in the actor’s system. This case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and dangers associated with prescription drug use, even under medical supervision.