Friends star Matthew Perry dies aged 54

Matthew Perry’s sudden death in late October took the world by surprise as the beloved Friends star was said to have drowned in his jacuzzi at the age of 54.

However, seven weeks after the tragic incident, the LA County Medical Examiner’s Office has now revealed the actor’s true cause of death was actually due to the “acute effects of ketamine”.

According to the autopsy report, as seen by Page Six, some other conditions were listed as contributing factors to his death.

This included drowning coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects.

The Hollywood star was found dead in his Los Angeles home on October 28 with floods of condolences streaming in from his countless fans across the globe as well as his A-list pals and Friends costars.

Perry had reportedly played a two-hour game of pickleball earlier on Saturday, before sending his assistant out on an errand.

When the assistant returned, she found Perry unresponsive in his hot tub at his Los Angeles home.

A 911 call made from his home references “drowning” just before responders arrived.

Certain phrases within the dispatch audio, obtained by TMZ, gave insight into the star’s cause of death.

The words “rescue 23” are heard in the partially bleeped-out 16-second-long recording – a probable reference to the local fire station that was assigned to the call.

The word “drowning” can also be heard.

Medics attempted a “water rescue” but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.

He was pronounced dead at the scene without being taken to hospital.

Law enforcement, at the time, shared that no illict drugs were found at the scene and no foul play is suspected.

However, prescription drugs, including anti-anxiety and anti-depressant pills, were found inside the home, law enforcement sources told TMZ.

Hours after his death, the star’s father, John Bennett Perry, 82, appeared at the scene with his mom, Suzanne Morrison, and stepfather, Keith Morrison.

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Los Angeles Police Captain Scot Williams, who investigated Perry’s death, said his exact cause of death would not be known for a while.

The cause of Perry’s death was ruled inconclusive following a post-mortem examination, according to the authorities.

Shortly after the news broke, Perry’s fans, friends, co-stars, and family began paying tribute to him.

In the heartbreaking statement, the late actor’s family members wrote: “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother.

“Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend. You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love.”

Friends co-creators/executive producers Marta Kauffman and David Crane and the series’ executive producer/director Kevin Bright also released a touching statement, writing: “We are shocked and deeply, deeply saddened by our beloved friend Matthew’s passing. It still seems impossible. All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him as part of our lives.”

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Perry’s Friends castmates released a joint statement as well on Monday, writing: “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family.

“There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.”

Adding they will “say more when they are able,” the message was signed off: “For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”

A year prior to his death, Perry ominously wrote in his memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, about his struggles with addiction: “Not only do I have the disease, but I also have it bad. It’s going to kill me.”

He also posted a chilling last photo of himself in his hot tub days before his death.

Perry once revealed how he wants people to remember him, saying: “When I die, I know people will talk about Friends, Friends, Friends. And I’m glad of that, happy l’ve done some solid work as an actor,” Perry began.

“But when I die, as far as my so-called accomplishments go, it would be nice if Friends were listed far behind the things I did to try to help other people… I know it won’t happen, but it would be nice.”

Friends close to Perry have given conflicting accounts on the actor’s state prior to Saturday.

Some have claimed that he had “never been happier” and even recently signed on to some new projects.

Others have stated that he was lonely and longed for a family.

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