Eight months after the devastating loss of Matthew Perry, the beloved star of the iconic TV show “Friends,” new developments suggest that his tragic death could soon lead to criminal charges. Matthew, best known for his role as Chandler Bing, was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on 28th October 2023 and was later pronounced dead at 54 years old. Despite initial reports indicating no foul play, sources now claim that the investigation into his death from the acute effects of ketamine could result in multiple charges.
According to PEOPLE, a law enforcement source has revealed that authorities are close to concluding their investigation and believe that “multiple people” should be held accountable. The final decision on whether to press charges will rest with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which has yet to comment on the case. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the ongoing investigation but did not provide additional details, while the DEA has not responded to requests for comment.
The investigation took a significant turn when an autopsy report in December confirmed that the actor’s death was caused by ketamine, with drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine (a medication used to treat opioid use disorder) listed as contributing factors. The report noted that Matthew had been receiving ketamine infusion treatment around the time of his death. However, due to ketamine’s short half-life, the traces found in his system could not have been from these sessions, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Last month, Los Angeles Police Captain Scot Williams emphasised that the investigation was never closed. He stated in an email to Entertainment Weekly that, based on the Medical Examiner’s findings, the LAPD, in collaboration with the DEA and the United States Postal Inspection Service, has continued to probe the details of the “17 Again” actor’s passing.
Matthew Perry’s death has left a significant void in the entertainment world. A five-time Emmy nominee, the actor captivated audiences with his portrayal of the sarcastic yet endearing Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom “Friends,” which became a cultural phenomenon during its 10-season run from 1994 to 2004.
Unfortunately, behind his fame, Matthew had issues with substance abuse. His memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing” was published in 2022 and offered a candid look at his career and struggles with addiction. The award-winning actor also graced the big screen in films like “17 Again,” “Fools Rush In,” and “The Whole Nine Yards,” and appeared in TV shows such as “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” “The Odd Couple,” and “Mr. Sunshine.”
Source: People, Entertainment Weekly
Jade Mary contributed to this article.
