On October 28, 2023, actor Matthew Perry was found dead in his Los Angeles home, with his death attributed to ketamine use amid his long battle with addiction. A year later, an investigation is ongoing, with charges filed against five individuals linked to Perry’s drug issues, including doctors and an assistant. His family has since established the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada to support addiction recovery, aiming to honor his legacy and help others facing similar struggles.
On October 28, 2023, Matthew Perry, the beloved American-Canadian actor renowned for his portrayal of Chandler Bing on the iconic television series ‘Friends’, was discovered lifeless in the hot tub at his Los Angeles residence. The investigation indicated that the immediate cause of his death was acute effects related to the narcotic ketamine, a substance frequently misused as an intoxicant. Perry, who battled substance abuse issues for much of his life, was just 54 years old.
Ongoing Legal Inquiry into His Death
Even one year later, the legal proceedings concerning Perry’s death remain active. In mid-August 2024, the US Attorney’s Office leveled serious allegations against five individuals associated with the actor, including multiple physicians, a dealer referred to as the ‘ketamine queen’, and an assistant. Reports suggest these defendants exploited Perry’s struggles with addiction for personal gain. While the assistant and two doctors acknowledged their involvement in Perry’s demise, others continue to contest the claims.
‘Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing’
A year prior to his passing, Perry candidly explored his drug-related issues in his memoir ‘Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing’, released in November 2022. In this book, he shared that he had faced severe alcohol problems since the age of 14, later engaging with a range of other drugs.
In his memoir, he noted, ‘I spent half my life in addiction clinics or facilities,’ and estimated he had spent ‘a good seven million dollars in his life so far to get sober’. He highlighted that addiction indiscriminately affects both the wealthy and those with fewer resources.
While promoting his book, Perry stated he had recently maintained sobriety for about a year. However, this brief period of clarity did not last long.
Relapse in Autumn 2023
The prosecution revealed during ongoing legal proceedings that Perry experienced a relapse in the fall of 2023, after he had been undergoing routine ketamine therapy for depression. He illicitly procured this potent anesthetic through his assistant, who reportedly administered the drug to him six to eight times daily in the days leading up to his tragic passing.
Just before the first anniversary of his death, Caitlin Perry, his younger sister, and his stepfather, Keith Morrison, shared an update with the public in the Canadian edition of ‘Hello!’ Regarding their new initiative aimed at taking constructive steps following their loss and honoring Perry’s legacy.
Family Launches a New Foundation
In collaboration with Perry’s mother, Suzanne Morrison, and other supporters, they established ‘The Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada’. This charitable organization focuses on assisting individuals on their journey to overcome addiction through various support mechanisms.
According to the foundation’s website, their efforts include practical support for those battling addiction—helping with housing, therapy, and job placement—alongside funding innovative research aimed at developing treatments for substance use disorders. An additional goal is to ensure that successful findings from research are utilized by pharmaceutical companies to bring potential solutions to market.
Caitlin Morrison, now the foundation’s executive director, expressed, ‘The work I do feels deeply personal; it feels like I’m collaborating with Matthew daily on something that mattered greatly to him.’ She shared that every day, she feels his presence close to her. Keith Morrison conveyed a message on behalf of Matthew, stating, ‘He wants to be remembered for his contributions to helping those dealing with addiction.’
Despite Perry’s prolonged battle with addiction, his family was unprepared for his sudden death. ‘When Matthew passed away, it was an unimaginable shock,’ Keith reflected. While they had considered the possibility of such an outcome, it was still a devastating loss. Keith concluded, ‘We decided to confront this realization and strive to create something meaningful from it.’