LA medical examiner gives update on Matthew Perry's cause of death after initial autopsy

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By Kim Novak

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An update has been given on Matthew Perry's autopsy results by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner after the beloved Friends star's death.

The world was left heartbroken over the weekend as it was revealed that Perry, 54, had died at his home in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles.

According to numerous reports, he had apparently drowned in a hot tub at his home, and officers from the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a call just after 4PM on Saturday.

Tributes soon flooded in from friends and fans of the actor, who was best known for playing Chandler Bing in the sitcom, which ran from 1994 until 2004.

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Matthew Perry was just 54 years old. Credit: Dave Benett/Getty Images

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has now revealed Perry's cause of death has been "deferred" as his initial autopsy results are inconclusive pending a toxicology report.

According to their report, via NBC News, a further investigation has been requested before a determination will be made.

Despite the fact the toxicology report and official cause of death likely not being released for several weeks, the medical examiner stated that Perry's body was ready to be released to his family.

Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Brian Humphrey stated that the initial 911 call came at 4:07PM local time and was treated as a "water emergency".

Perry's family released a statement following his death, telling People: "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother.

"Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend. You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love."

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He is best known for playing Chandler Bing in Friends. Credit: Getty Images

Perry was best known for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends, but also starred in many other notable film and TV projects including The West Wing, 17 Again, Boys Will Be Boys, and Scrubs.

He had also spoken openly about his struggles with addiction, including in his memoir Friends, Lovers, And The Big Terrible Thing, which was released last year.

Perry opened up about his battles including a near-death experience in 2019 after his colon burst due to opioid use.

In one of his final interviews, Perry revealed that he would like to be remembered for the work he did to help others beat addiction over and above his fame for Friends.

Speaking in an interview with Tim Power as part of the press tour for his memoir, Perry explained: "I would like to be remembered as somebody who lived well, loved well, was a seeker and his paramount thing is that he wants to help people...That's what I want."

Our thoughts remain with Matthew Perry's family, friends, and fans during this heartbreaking time.

Featured image credit: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

LA medical examiner gives update on Matthew Perry's cause of death after initial autopsy

vt-author-image

By Kim Novak

Article saved!Article saved!

An update has been given on Matthew Perry's autopsy results by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner after the beloved Friends star's death.

The world was left heartbroken over the weekend as it was revealed that Perry, 54, had died at his home in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles.

According to numerous reports, he had apparently drowned in a hot tub at his home, and officers from the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a call just after 4PM on Saturday.

Tributes soon flooded in from friends and fans of the actor, who was best known for playing Chandler Bing in the sitcom, which ran from 1994 until 2004.

wp-image-1263234538 size-full
Matthew Perry was just 54 years old. Credit: Dave Benett/Getty Images

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has now revealed Perry's cause of death has been "deferred" as his initial autopsy results are inconclusive pending a toxicology report.

According to their report, via NBC News, a further investigation has been requested before a determination will be made.

Despite the fact the toxicology report and official cause of death likely not being released for several weeks, the medical examiner stated that Perry's body was ready to be released to his family.

Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Brian Humphrey stated that the initial 911 call came at 4:07PM local time and was treated as a "water emergency".

Perry's family released a statement following his death, telling People: "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother.

"Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend. You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love."

wp-image-1263234539 size-full
He is best known for playing Chandler Bing in Friends. Credit: Getty Images

Perry was best known for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends, but also starred in many other notable film and TV projects including The West Wing, 17 Again, Boys Will Be Boys, and Scrubs.

He had also spoken openly about his struggles with addiction, including in his memoir Friends, Lovers, And The Big Terrible Thing, which was released last year.

Perry opened up about his battles including a near-death experience in 2019 after his colon burst due to opioid use.

In one of his final interviews, Perry revealed that he would like to be remembered for the work he did to help others beat addiction over and above his fame for Friends.

Speaking in an interview with Tim Power as part of the press tour for his memoir, Perry explained: "I would like to be remembered as somebody who lived well, loved well, was a seeker and his paramount thing is that he wants to help people...That's what I want."

Our thoughts remain with Matthew Perry's family, friends, and fans during this heartbreaking time.

Featured image credit: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images