It has been a year since the world lost Matthew Perry, the beloved Friends actor, who was found lifeless in his hot tub on October 28, 2023. His death was attributed to an accidental overdose at the age of 54.
Over the past year, numerous details about his passing have surfaced, and his family has come forward to share their emotions, memories, and thoughts on the events leading to his tragic death.
Family’s Emotional Tributes
In their first televised interview since his passing, Matthew Perry’s mother, Suzanne Morrison, his sisters Caitlin, Madeline, and Emily Morrison, and his stepfather, journalist Keith Morrison, opened up about their grief and the void left by his loss.
His mother shared the pain of losing her son: “Even now, I find myself wanting to call him when I see something funny. And then it hits me—he’s not there.”
His sisters described him as a man who brought laughter and joy despite his personal struggles. “He was grumpy all the time, but he was funny all the time,” Emily recalled. “He always wanted to love and be loved.”
His Battle with Addiction
Matthew Perry’s struggles with alcohol and drug addiction were well-documented, even during the peak of his career on Friends. His battle with addiction ultimately led to his untimely death, with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determining the cause as “acute effects of ketamine.”
His mother reflected on her helplessness in saving him: “I’m a very lucky woman, but there was one thing I couldn’t fix—I couldn’t help him.”
Despite his struggles, his family remained proud of him. “Even during his darkest times, we were proud of him,” Caitlin shared. “He kept fighting and dedicated much of his life to helping others with addiction.”
To honor his legacy, the family has established two foundations that assist those battling substance abuse.
Investigation into His Death
Authorities began investigating the source of the drugs that led to Perry’s death. While he had been receiving ketamine infusions for depression and anxiety, the amount found in his system far exceeded therapeutic levels.
In August 2024, five individuals were arrested, including two doctors, Perry’s assistant, and Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen of Los Angeles,” who allegedly supplied illicit drugs.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized the seriousness of the case: “These defendants exploited Mr. Perry’s addiction for their own gain. We are sending a clear message—those who deal dangerous drugs will be held accountable.”
A Strong Message from His Family
Matthew Perry’s family expressed their relief that arrests had been made and hoped that justice would be served.
Keith Morrison delivered a strong warning: “If you are supplying drugs that kill people, you are now on notice. It doesn’t matter what your credentials are. You’re going down, baby.”
As Perry’s loved ones continue to grieve, they are also determined to use his story to spread awareness about the dangers of addiction, ensuring that his legacy is one of hope and change.
