An arrest has been made amid a drug investigation into the death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry.
According to the Los Angeles Times, law enforcement sources said on Thursday that one individual had been arrested in connection with Perry’s death. The 54-year-old actor was found dead in the hot tub of his L.A. home on Oct. 28, and traces of the drug ketamine were found in his system.
At the time, it was ruled an accidental overdose. But in May, the LAPD said it was working with federal authorities to investigate the source of the ketamine he had consumed. According to the L.A. Times, search warrants were served to those being investigated and evidence has been seized. Federal charges have been filed against multiple people, the Times reported, one of which has a medical license.
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A news conference has been scheduled for later Thursday morning, where more details will be shared.
First responders were initially called to Perry’s home for cardiac arrest, but the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office found that he died of “acute effects of ketamine.” Contributing factors included drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine (used to treat opioid use disorder).
Prior to his death, Perry had reportedly been undergoing ketamine therapy for depression and anxiety. According to the medical examiner’s toxicology report, “At the high levels of ketamine found in his postmortem blood specimens, the main lethal effects would be from both cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression.”
Perry was beloved for his performance as the hilarious and lovable “Friends” character Chandler Bing. Following his death, his “Friends” co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer wrote in a statement that they were “utterly devastated.”
“We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss,” the statement read. “In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
