Beloved actor Matthew Perry's cause of death has been listed as the "acute effects of ketamine," according to an autopsy report released by the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner. Perry had revealed in his memoir, titled "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing," that he had undergone ketamine infusion therapy prior to his death.

In his memoir, Perry opened up about his experience with the drug and admitted to using ketamine daily. He described it as a popular street drug in the 1980s, but now it is primarily used for pain relief and depression treatment. Perry jokingly mentioned that the drug might as well have been named after him, as he saw it as something different and exciting.

Despite feeling a sense of relief when using ketamine, Perry also confessed that it made him feel like he was dying. He compared the experience to being hit in the head with a "giant happy shovel," but the hangover and negative side effects outweighed the positive effects for him. Perry concluded that ketamine was not the right fit for him.

Perry tragically died on October 28 after an apparent drowning in a hot tub at his home in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. The autopsy revealed trace amounts of ketamine in his stomach contents, although the exact method of intake remains unknown. The report also listed "coronary artery disease" as another contributing factor to his death. Prescription medications and loose pills were found at his residence, but no illegal drugs were discovered.

Dr. Michael Baden, a former chief medical examiner of New York City and forensic pathologist, explained that ketamine was initially used by veterinarians for animals undergoing surgery. However, it later became popular among humans due to its hallucinogenic effects. Baden expressed surprise that ketamine was found in Perry's autopsy report, as the actor had been vocal about his struggles with different drugs, but ketamine was not one of them.

Initial reports from the Department of Medical Examiner listed the cause of Perry's death as “deferred” and cited "other significant conditions." However, the autopsy results confirmed the role of ketamine in his demise. The investigation into Perry's death is ongoing, with the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division handling the case.

Matthew Perry was laid to rest on November 3 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. His death has left his fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a talented actor. Perry's honesty about his struggles with addiction and his efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs will continue to be remembered.