5 People Charged: The Full, Tragic Story Of How Matthew Perry Died

The world continues to mourn the loss of Matthew Perry, who passed away on October 28, 2023, but the full story of his death has only become clearer in the months since. As of December 18, 2025, the official cause was ruled an accident due to the acute effects of ketamine, but the narrative has taken a shocking new turn with the announcement of criminal charges. The investigation has moved beyond a simple medical ruling to focus on how the lethal dose of the drug was obtained, leading to a major and deeply saddening development in the case.

This article provides the most current and definitive details regarding the tragic passing of the beloved Friends star, from the official autopsy report to the recent, unprecedented legal actions. The findings reveal a complex and heartbreaking scenario, underscoring the star's lifelong struggle with addiction that he so candidly shared in his final years.

Matthew Perry: A Brief Biography and Career Profile

• Full Name: Matthew Langford Perry
• Born: August 19, 1969
• Died: October 28, 2023 (Age 54)
• Nationality: American and Canadian
• Early Life: Raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He was a highly-ranked junior tennis player in Canada before moving to Los Angeles at age 15 to pursue acting.
• Iconic Role: Gained international fame for portraying the witty and sarcastic Chandler Bing on the hit NBC sitcom Friends, which ran from 1994 to 2004.
• Other Notable Works: Starred in films like Fools Rush In and The Whole Nine Yards, and television shows including Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and The Odd Couple.
• Memoir: Authored the candid 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, detailing his decades-long battle with drug and alcohol addiction.
• Legacy: He was a passionate advocate for sobriety, establishing the Perry House, a sober living facility, and using his platform to help others struggling with substance abuse.

The Official and Shocking Cause of Death: Acute Ketamine Effects

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner released the official autopsy report, which provided a definitive, yet complex, answer to the question "how did Matthew Perry die?" The manner of death was ruled an accident.

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The Primary Cause: Acute Effects of Ketamine

The main factor contributing to Matthew Perry's death was the "acute effects of ketamine." Toxicology reports indicated extremely high levels of ketamine in his system—levels comparable to those used in general anesthesia.

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that is sometimes used to treat depression. The medical examiner noted that the ketamine found in Perry's system could not have come from the last known ketamine infusion therapy session, which had occurred a week and a half prior to his death. The half-life of ketamine is short, meaning the drug found must have been ingested closer to the time of his passing.

Contributing Factors to the Accidental Death

The autopsy report also listed three other significant conditions that contributed to his accidental death:

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• Drowning: Perry was found unresponsive in the hot tub at his Los Angeles home. The high level of ketamine would have caused central nervous system depression, leading to sedation and the inability to stay above water.
• Coronary Artery Disease: This heart condition would have made his system more vulnerable to the effects of the ketamine.
• Effects of Buprenorphine: This medication is used to treat opioid use disorder and pain. While not lethal on its own, its presence would have exacerbated the respiratory depression caused by the ketamine.

The combination of these factors, especially the high concentration of ketamine, led to his accidental passing. His final hours were reportedly spent playing pickleball earlier in the day before he was found by his assistant.

Criminal Charges: The Latest Twist in the Investigation

In a major and recent development, the investigation into Matthew Perry's death has shifted from a medical inquiry to a criminal one. This is the freshest and most significant update to the case since the release of the autopsy report.

Five Individuals Charged

As of late 2024, five people have been arrested and charged in connection with the actor's death. The charges stem from the investigation into how Matthew Perry obtained the lethal dose of ketamine.

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Sources indicate that the individuals charged include two doctors, a personal assistant, and a dealer known in some reports as the "ketamine queen." The focus of the criminal case is not on the act of administering the drug but on the illegal distribution of the controlled substance that ultimately led to the fatal overdose.

The Focus on Illegal Distribution

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have been jointly investigating the circumstances surrounding the ketamine. Since the ketamine found in Perry's system was not from his prescribed therapy, investigators sought to determine who provided the drug.

The charges highlight the severity of illegally providing controlled substances, especially to individuals with known struggles with addiction. This legal action serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of the illicit drug trade and the vulnerabilities of those battling substance use disorder. The case is unprecedented and is being closely watched by the public and legal experts.

The Enduring Legacy and Impact of Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry's death was a profound loss, not just for the entertainment world but for the recovery community. His memoir and his public honesty about his struggles with addiction—which included numerous stints in rehab and nearly dying multiple times—made him a relatable and powerful figure for millions.

He famously stated that he wanted to be remembered not just for his role as Chandler Bing but for his work helping others achieve sobriety. The tragedy of his accidental death, caused by a relapse into drug use, underscores the brutal and relentless nature of the disease of addiction.

While the criminal proceedings continue, the actor's foundation, the Matthew Perry Foundation, was established to honor his legacy. The foundation aims to help people struggling with addiction, ensuring that his commitment to recovery continues to save lives long after his passing. His final, heart-wrenching chapter serves as a powerful cautionary tale, cementing his legacy as both a comedic icon and an honest, flawed, and deeply human advocate for sobriety.