Death of Matthew Perry: the causes of his death still unclear, initial analyzes carried out

The circumstances of Matthew Perry’s death still remain mysterious although an autopsy was carried out and the first results of a toxicological test are known.

The circumstances surrounding the death of Matthew Perry still remain unclear. The autopsy was unable to establish the exact cause of his death and toxicological analyzes were requested. Initial results have made it possible to rule out two avenues: that of the overdose of fentanyl and methamphetamine, these two substances not having been found in the body of the unforgettable interpreter of Chandler in the series Friends.

Other analyzes are underway to determine whether the actor from the cult sitcom could have consumed other drugs or medication before dying. But the results could be obtained after several weeks. The actor had in fact been fighting for several years against an addiction to alcohol and certain medications, which could have led him to numerous detoxification treatments and sometimes very heavy hospitalizations.

Matthew Perry died in his jacuzzi on October 28, 2023, in Los Angeles. He was 54 years old. The preferred route would, for the moment, be that of drowning. Quoted by Fox News, the Los Angeles medical examiner listed “other important leads” that could have led to his death. They have not been revealed publicly. On site, no trace of criminal acts was noted, nor the presence of drugs. Conversely, authorities found anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants and medications to treat lung diseases.

According to information from TMZ, the actor returned from a pickleball session, a sport he practiced daily, on the morning of Saturday October 28. He then asked his assistant to run a race for him. The latter returned two hours later and discovered Matthew Perry unconscious in his jacuzzi, before immediately calling for help. At this time, we do not know what happened during the two hours that passed before his body was discovered.

One of his relatives revealed to TMZ that the actor “had never been happier” than the weeks before his death: the actor had just moved to a new home that he “loved.” He also had professional projects, such as a new film, and ideas for scripts.

‘Friends’ Fans Mourn Matthew Perry’s Death

Matthew Perry was known for his role in the legendary sitcom Friends, which follows a group of six New York friends: Chandler, Rachel, Phoebe, Joey, Monica and Ross. The series offered ten seasons to many fans around the world, broadcast between 1994 and 2004 on the American channel NBC.

In all, 230 episodes of around twenty minutes which reached a new audience when they landed on Netflix a few years ago. Matthew Perry played the role of Chandler, a clumsy office worker with a keen sense of humor. For this role, but also for the one in the series To the White House, he had received three Emmy Award nominations. Since the announcement of his death this Sunday morning in France, fans of the series have not failed to pay tribute to the actor on social networks.

The rest of the Friends cast reacted to the death of Matthew Perry in a joint press release to the Times on Monday October 30: “We are all absolutely devastated by the loss of Matthew”, reacted his colleagues from the cult sitcom, Jennifer Aniston (Rachel), Courtney Cox (Monica), Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe), Matt LeBlanc (Joey) and David Schwimmer (Ross). “We were more than colleagues. We are family,” they wrote.

“There is so much to say, but for now, we are going to take some time to grieve and digest this unfathomable loss.” The press release concludes: “When the time is right and we are able, we will say more. For now, our thoughts and love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and all those who loved him around the world.

A long struggle with addiction

For years, the American-Canadian actor had serious problems with addiction to painkillers and alcohol because of which he had to undergo detoxification treatment 65 times, according to his memoir published in 2022. The actor had had to undergo numerous operations due to his excessive drug and alcohol consumption.

In 2018, he underwent a seven-hour operation after a gastrointestinal perforation. He was then placed in a coma for two weeks and then remained in hospital for five months to recover. Following this experience, he confided: “I should be dead”, in the introduction to his memoirs. The actor had undergone fourteen stomach operations.

Rain of tributes for Matthew Perry

In a press release sent to People magazine, Matthew Perry’s family paid him a painful tribute: “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and our brother. Matthew brought so much joy to the world , both as an actor and a friend. Those close to the actor also thanked fans of the series who have been mourning his loss since Saturday: “You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the immense outpouring of love.”

The creators of the series Friends, Marta Kauffman and David Crane, also paid a moving tribute to Matthew Perry in a press release: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved friend Matthew.” The showrunners went on to praise “a brilliant artist”. “We will always cherish the joy, the light, the dazzling intelligence that he brought to every moment – ​​not just in his work, but also in life.”

“Matthew was an incredibly talented actor,” praised the studio Warner Bros TV, producer of Friends, in a press release to the Los Angeles Times. (…) His comic genius was felt around the planet.” NBC also said it was “terribly saddened by the untimely death of Matthew Perry” who “brought so much joy to hundreds of millions of people around the world (…) and his legacy will live on forever.” through many generations.

Various personalities also paid tribute to him, such as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who had been his classmate. On joy you brought them. Thank you for all the laughter Matthew. You were loved, and you will be missed.”