Matthew Perry’s death is reportedly being investigated by the US Postal Inspection Service (USPS) and other agencies in a new probe.
The beloved Friends actor who played Chandler Bing in the sitcom was found dead in his hot tub at his Los Angeles home in October last year. Though no drug paraphernalia was discovered at the scene – and no signs of foul play – the coroner later ruled that he died from the “acute effects of ketamine”.
It was previously reported that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) had closed its investigation into Perry’s death after the coroner ruled it ‘accidental’. However, it’s reported that police have now launched an “open investigation” into the source of the ketamine which killed him.
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According to TMZ, the LAPD are reportedly working with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and other agencies, including the Postal Inspection Service, to find out more about the ketamine that was in his system.
(Image: Penske Media via Getty Images)
The outlet claims postal inspectors are looking into whether the star acquired any drugs through the mail, and are tracking packages in a bid to find answers. It also claims investigators are attempting to discover who gave Perry the ketamine and that people in Hollywood have been interviewed.
TMZ said: “Law enforcement sources tell us there is an ongoing investigation into where Matthew got the ketamine that ended up playing a part in his death – and the main questions are who provided the drug, and under what circumstances.
(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“Our sources say both local police and the DEA have been looking into this matter for months, but it’s unclear where exactly investigators are in the probe. We do know they’ve already interviewed some key people in Hollywood.
The LAPD told ABC News: “Based on the Medical Examiner’s findings, the Los Angeles Police Department, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service, has continued its investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Perry’s death”.
When Perry was found unresponsive, his blood ketamine levels were at 3,540 ng/ml in peripheral blood, and 3,271 in central blood, around the same as a hospital patient under general anaesthetic would experience.
The medical examiner confirmed that anywhere between 1,000 and 6,000 is normal for someone under anaesthetic. The medical examiner added: “Drowning contributes due to the likelihood of submersion into the pool as he lapsed into unconsciousness; coronary artery disease contributes due to exacerbation of ketamine induced myocardial effects on the heart.”
(Image: Getty Images)
No alcohol, cocaine, meth, heroin or fentanyl was found in the actor’s system. He had previously been receiving ketamine infusion therapy to treat depression – but his last session was a week and a half before his tragic death, while the drug only stays in the system for three to four hours.
The autopsy report also showed Perry was “reportedly clean for 19 months” before his untimely passing. It is unknown how he took the ketamine that eventually killed him, and no pills were reported “near the pool” or “found adjacent” to it.
The therapy couldn’t realistically cause such high levels of the drug to remain in his system. Tragically, Matthew spent around $9million trying to stay sober, and went to rehab 15 separate times. He estimated he attended more than 6,000 Alcoholics Anonymous meetings after taking 55 Vicodin pills a day at the height of his battle.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
