Months after the tragic passing of beloved actor Matthew Perry, the mystery surrounding his demise has been put to rest. Autopsy reports, released on Friday, December 15, have confirmed that the Friends star succumbed to the acute effects of the anesthetic drug ketamine.
In his 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir,” Perry candidly discussed his encounter with ketamine during his time at a Swiss rehab clinic amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Revealing the harrowing experiences with the drug, Perry detailed how ketamine made him feel like he was ‘dying.’
Describing the drug’s origins and contemporary use, Perry highlighted its evolution from a popular street drug in the 1980s to its current synthetic form utilized for pain relief and depression management. Despite acknowledging its medicinal applications, Perry confessed to heavy usage, humorously remarking that ketamine seemed tailor-made for him.
The actor described the initial allure of the drug as a “giant exhale,” indulging in it while listening to music blindfolded. However, Perry recounted how ketamine induced feelings of dissociation and a sensation akin to impending death, leading him to question his mortality during its administration.
“Taking K is like being hit in the head with a giant happy shovel,” Perry expressed, outlining the euphoria it induced but juxtaposed it with a severe aftermath likened to a rough hangover. Despite the adverse effects, he admitted a recurring attraction to the drug due to its novelty.
Nevertheless, Perry unequivocally concluded that “Ketamine was not for me,” expressing the detrimental impact it had on him despite its initial allure.
The autopsy report confirmed Perry’s cause of death as the “acute effects of ketamine,” shedding light on the actor’s continued use of the substance even after departing the rehab facility in Switzerland. However, it highlighted that his last usage occurred a week and a half before his sudden passing, closing the chapter on the speculation surrounding his untimely death.
Matthew Perry’s legacy continues to resonate with his contributions to the entertainment industry, but his passing serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of substance use and its potential consequences.
Sources By Agencies
