In a tragic turn of events, the death of beloved actor Matthew Perry has spurred an in-depth investigation by law enforcement agencies into the origins of the ketamine found in his system. Despite initial assumptions that Perry's death was straightforward, new details have emerged that suggest a more complex narrative.

The Los Angeles Police Department revealed back in January that the case was closed and that they would not be looking into Perry's death. However, they are now (May 21)  actively investigating how the actor obtained the ketamine, which contributed to his death.

According to TMZ, both the local police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have been scrutinizing this matter for months, focusing on who provided the drug. 

Insiders told the outlet that investigators have already conducted interviews with several individuals in Hollywood, particularly those with known histories of drug use or abuse. Although the identities of these individuals remain undisclosed, the investigation appears to be delving deep into the entertainment industry's drug scene. 

Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic TV show Friends, was found unresponsive in his hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home on October 28, 2023. His assistant discovered him, and first responders, arriving swiftly after a cardiac arrest call, pronounced him dead at the scene.

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An autopsy report obtained in December revealed "high levels" of ketamine in Perry's blood. The report indicated that the drug's main lethal effects include cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression. Additionally, the autopsy noted that Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety over a week before his death.The trace amounts of ketamine found in his stomach suggested they did not originate from the prescribed medical treatment, as the drug's half-life is only 3 to 4 hours.

This revelation has shifted the focus of the investigation towards identifying an alternative source of the ketamine. The LAPD has indicated that other contributing factors to Perry's death included coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication often used to treat opioid use disorder.

The agency has previously assisted in similar high-profile investigations, such as the 2018 overdose of rapper Mac Miller. That case led to the conviction of multiple individuals for supplying the fentanyl-laced pills that caused Miller's death.

The update comes shortly after co-star  Courteney Cox spoke out about their friendship on CBS Sunday Morning over the weekend (May 19). During her appearance on the show, she revealed that she constantly feels the presence of her late friend. 

While reflecting on the  20th anniversary of the show's finale, Cox expressed gratitude for the years she worked closely with Perry, who played Chandler Bing to her Monica Geller. She mentioned that Perry still "visits" her, feeling his guidance alongside other late family and friends. 

"You know, he's just so funny. He has genuinely a huge heart, obviously struggled," she told the outlet. "I'm so thankful I got to work so closely with him for so many years. He visits me a lot, if we believe in that. You know, I talk to my mom, my dad, Matthew – I feel like there are a lotta people that, I think, guide us. I do sense, yeah, I sense Matthew's around for sure." 

Fans of Matthew Perry paid tribute to the late actor by placing flowers in front of the "Friends" apartment building in New York City. https://t.co/CvreK3hosF pic.twitter.com/1aaLkOPQ74

— The New York Times (@nytimes) October 31, 2023

Fan Of View: Avid Friends  fans are hoping the 20th anniversary celebration will be televised so they can honor Matthew Perry's life. Perry's death deeply affected many fans, who felt like they had lost a best friend. His portrayal of Chandler Bing, resonated profoundly with viewers. A devoted fan told The New York Times outside a tribute, "His character is unlike any other TV character ever, especially his sense of humor. I'm really going to miss him. The humor, the laughter, and the love they all shared together really got me through some of my toughest days. And whenever I'm having a bad day, I watch Friends.'"

Photo Credit: @mattyperry4 on Instagram.