First arrests in Matthew Perry case: Doctor among detained
American police have arrested the first individuals in connection with the death of Matthew Perry, the actor best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the TV show "Friends" - reports TMZ. Among those arrested is at least one doctor.
4:42 PM EDT, August 15, 2024
Matthew Perry died on October 28, 2023. His body was found in the pool. The autopsy revealed that the "Friends" star had high levels of ketamine in his system. The cause of the actor's death was determined to be drowning. It is known that he struggled with coronary artery disease. The investigation also detected the presence of buprenorphine.
Ketamine is an anesthetic. It helps with pain management but is also used in the treatment of depression, which the actor struggled with. Studies have shown that ketamine may also be effective in treating addictions. The substance itself is also considered a drug because, after its consumption, there is a feeling of detachment from the body and a sense of unreality. The investigation into Matthew Perry's death aimed to determine how he obtained this substance.
The death of Matthew Perry. First arrests
On Thursday, August 15, TMZ reported that the first arrests have been made in connection with the death of the 54-year-old actor. Several arrests have been made, and among those detained is at least one doctor. Investigators also secured computers, phones, and other electronic equipment.
The actor was receiving ketamine as part of his depression treatment, but his last infusion was a week and a half before his death. The ketamine found in his system could not have come from that infusion - reports TMZ. The level of ketamine in the actor's system corresponded to the levels used in general anesthesia during surgeries.
All indications point to the fact that Perry not only used ketamine as part of therapy but also outside of it. This means someone most likely provided it to him illegally.
In addition to the mentioned doctor, who may have illegally prescribed ketamine, several drug dealers have been detained. Their correspondence discusses Perry's case and the method of delivering the ketamine to the actor. They also mention the price the 54-year-old actor was supposed to pay for the drug.
Sources from tmz.com also indicate that a search was ordered for a woman who was in a rehab center with Matthew Perry, although she is not linked to the arrests. The investigation into the actor's death is ongoing.
