Actor Matthew Perry's death on October 28, 2023, has been reconstructed, revealing details about his final hours, including his use of ketamine and the circumstances surrounding his discovery in a hot tub. Perry, who had been open about his struggles with addiction, was reportedly found unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home.
Sources close to the investigation indicate that Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety. While this treatment involves high doses of the drug, it is typically administered under medical supervision. However, reports suggest that the ketamine found in Perry's system at the time of his death was at levels far exceeding therapeutic recommendations, and its presence in his system at that concentration has raised questions about when and where he received the dose.
On the day of his death, Perry reportedly engaged in several activities, including playing pickleball and watching a movie, before returning home. He was later found by his assistant, who called 911. The 911 call, released to the public, documented the emergency response to Perry's residence. Authorities have been investigating the source of the ketamine and whether it was obtained legally.
Authorities have identified individuals allegedly involved in supplying Perry with ketamine. Among those charged is Jasveen Sangha, reportedly known as 'The Ketamine Queen,' who is accused of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Perry's assistant is also said to have obtained syringes from a physician in Santa Monica and ketamine from Sangha.
Evidence discovered by police following Perry's death suggested that while ketamine therapy can involve daily doses for mental health patients, receiving multiple doses in a single day is unusual. Perry had previously described himself as being sober, but his substance use was reportedly escalating, with a desire for more ketamine than ethically prescribed.
Perry's stepfather, Keith Morrison, a Dateline correspondent, was seen at the scene after police tape had been crossed, arriving with a man believed to be Perry's former bodyguard. A private ceremony attended by Perry's family and 'Friends' co-stars was held shortly after his death, followed by his funeral on November 3, 2023, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.