Matthew Perry's Death Certificate Confirms Preliminary Findings
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Matthew Perry
The world has been shocked with the announcement of Matthew Perry's death on Oct. 28. With everyone reeling from the tremendous loss of the Friends star, many wonder what his cause of death was, considering the suddenness and his relatively young age of 54. Here's everything we know about Matthew Perry's cause of death, including what the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office just said.
What was Matthew Perry's cause of death?
Matthew Perry allegedly died of an apparent drowning at his Pacific Palisades home. A representative for the actor and a law enforcement source have both confirmed that a 9-1-1 call was placed at 4:07 p.m. local time and was treated as a water rescue by emergency services.
On Sunday, Oct. 29, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office updated its website report to confirm that an autopsy had been completed but the cause of death is "deferred" pending toxicology reports. It also notes "other significant conditions" contributed to his death.
The toxicology report can take weeks to complete.
On Nov. 8, the Daily Blast obtained a paper copy of his death certificate, which confirms the preliminary findings.
What was Matthew Perry doing before he died?
According to TMZ, sources told the publication that Matthew Perry had died at his home after doing some physical activity that morning. Matthew came home sometime in the morning after a two-hour round of pickleball. (His love of the sport was featured in a 2022 Parade cover story.) He sent his assistant out on errand shortly thereafter, and when the assistant returned about two hours later, he discovered Matthew unresponsive. It's unknown as to whether any other form of physical activity factored into his death.
Perry's pickleball pro Matt Manasse previously told Parade that “Matthew is competitive and he’s getting very good. He’s using it to lose weight."
Related: Remembering Matthew Perry: See the Cast of 'Friends' Then and Now
How did Matthew Perry die?
At this moment, the cause of death is alleged to be drowning. However, a further Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office investigation will confirm the exact details behind how he died. A preliminary report notes "other significant conditions" contributed to his death.
Who found Matthew Perry?
Matthew Perry was discovered by his assistant, who he had sent out on an errand only a couple of hours before his death.
Did Matthew Perry battle addiction?
The late actor's struggles with drinking and drugs has been well-documented up to this point. After getting into alcohol when he was 14, it expanded to also include Vicodin, Xanax, and Oxycontin. “I would fake back injuries. I would fake migraine headaches. I had eight doctors going at the same time,” Perry told The New York Times. “It’s exhausting but you have to do it or you get very, very sick. I wasn’t doing it to feel high or to feel good. I certainly wasn’t a partyer; I just wanted to sit on my couch, take five Vicodin and watch a movie. That was heaven for me. It no longer is."
"Alcohol really did save me for a while," he added. "Then it didn’t. It’s like your best friend turns to you and goes, Now I’m going to kill you. And then you raise your hand and say, I need help here."
Matthew had several battles with recovery over his life. By the time 2018 hit, he had undergone pneumonia, an exploded colon, a brief stint on life support, two weeks in a coma, nine months with a colostomy bag, and more than a dozen stomach surgeries. When last reported, he had been sober for a little over two years.
“There is a hell,” Perry wrote in his memoir. “Don’t let anyone tell you different. I’ve been there; it exists; end of discussion. Now I feel better because it’s out. It’s out on a piece of paper. The ‘why’ I’m still alive is definitely in the area of helping people."
Related: Matthew Perry Fans Find His Last Social Media Post 'Very Eerie' After His Death
Did Matthew Perry overdose?
As mentioned before, as last reported, Perry was sober and in recovery, which majorly discounts the theory that he had overdosed and fallen into his pool. However, given the number of relapses he has had over the years, it still is possible. We'll need to wait on a toxicology screening, which the medical examiner's office said can take weeks to complete, to find out if there were any drugs or alcohol in his system at the time of death. TMZ reports that no drugs were found at the scene but that hasn't been confirmed by authorities.
What health conditions did Matthew Perry have?
Over the years, Matthew Perry had been through myriad health conditions due to his debilitating addiction to drugs and alcohol. By the time 2018 hit, he had experienced pneumonia, an exploded colon, a brief stint on life support, two weeks in a coma, nine months with a colostomy bag and more than a dozen stomach surgeries.
Is foul play suspected in Matthew Perry's death?
The LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division confirmed to People that "foul play is not suspected at this time."
How old was Matthew Perry?
Matthew Perry was 54 years old when he died on Oct. 28, 2023.
What was Matthew Perry's net worth?
Matthew Perry's net worth at his time of death was estimated to be $120 million. Here's the scoop on how he earned and spent his massive fortune.
Next, Check Out All the Celebrity Tributes to Matthew Perry Following His Death
