Hollywood is in shock following the untimely death of Matthew Perry. The beloved actor, best known for his role in the hit sitcom Friends, was found dead in his Los Angeles home at the age of 54. The Los Angeles Police Department’s robbery homicide division is leading the investigation into his death. Here’s the latest update.
Initial autopsy results inconclusive
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has completed an autopsy, but the cause of death is still “deferred” pending further investigation. It is common for toxicology reports to take weeks before conclusive results can be determined in cases like this.
No illegal drugs found
No illegal drugs were discovered at Perry’s residence, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. However, prescription medications were recovered, prompting the need for a toxicology report to determine the official cause and manner of Perry’s death. In his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, the actor openly discussed his struggle with alcohol and prescription painkillers.
Foul play ruled out
According to Los Angeles Police Capt. Scot Williams, foul play is not suspected in Perry’s death, although the exact cause may take some time to ascertain.
Dispatch audio suggests drowning
Audio from the dispatch call to Perry’s residence reveals a mention of drowning as the reason for the emergency response.
Perry found dead in his hot tub
Responding to a death investigation, officers arrived at the address associated with Perry’s home. The Los Angeles Fire Department reports that Perry was discovered unconscious in a stand-alone hot tub. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The LAPD and the L.A. County Medical Examiner continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to TMZ, Perry’s assistant, who had been running an errand for the actor, was the one who found him lifeless.
Perry’s final hours doing what he loved
Prior to his death, Perry enjoyed a game of pickleball at the Riviera Country Club, a favorite pastime of his. He then returned home to the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of L.A. where tragedy struck.
Pickleball provided solace during his sobriety journey
Perry’s friend and pickleball coach, Matt Manasse, spoke about how much the sport meant to the actor as he battled addiction. Perry was reportedly doing well on his road to recovery before his sudden demise. He actively used pickleball to channel his competitive spirit and even brought others to the sport to aid in their own rehabilitation.
Friends say Perry was happy before his death
Sources close to Perry shared with TMZ that he had never been happier and was content with his new home. Furthermore, he had recently committed to a new film project, indicating a promising future.
Perry’s family devastated
In a statement to People, Perry’s family expressed their heartbreak over the loss and conveyed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support.
Friends co-stars yet to react
Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc, Perry’s co-stars on Friends, have not publicly addressed his death. The close-knit cast, who remained friends even after the show ended, is reportedly devastated and will release individual statements in due time.
Warner Bros. TV, the production company behind Friends, released a statement expressing their devastation and honoring Perry’s comedic talent. They extended their heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and dedicated fans, acknowledging the significant impact he had on audiences worldwide.
