Beloved “Friends” actor Matthew Perry tragically passed away over the weekend at the age of 54. Law enforcement sources have revealed that Perry died from an apparent drowning in a hot tub at his home in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner has completed an autopsy, but the cause of death has not yet been determined as toxicology results are still pending.

Dr. Michael Baden, former chief medical examiner of New York City and a forensic pathologist, has weighed in on the possible causes of Perry's death. He mentioned that given Perry's history of alcohol and drug abuse, the toxicology results will be crucial in understanding what happened. Dr. Baden also highlighted that the fact that Perry was found in a hot tub raises immediate concerns about drowning or heat stroke. He added that it's possible the toxicology examination is taking longer than usual due to the extensive interest in Perry's death.

While drugs were reportedly not found at the scene, Perry's history of medical emergencies and surgeries raises questions about potential underlying health issues. In his 2022 memoir, Perry detailed two near-death experiences, including a five-minute heart stoppage during anesthesia for back surgery in 2021 and a seven-hour emergency surgery for a burst colon in 2018, which resulted in a coma for two weeks. Dr. Baden explained that these prior episodes could have increased Perry's susceptibility to cardiac events and strokes, making him more prone to drowning.

Pickleball, a sport that Perry reportedly played earlier on the day of his death, is unlikely to have directly caused his passing. Dr. Baden explained that while the heat from physical exertion and the hot tub could have contributed to Perry passing out or falling asleep, the risk of drowning is higher in a hot tub than on a bed.

Perry's final Instagram post featured him in a hot tub wearing headphones, and Dr. Baden drew attention to the potential dangers of heat on the body. Heat stroke and compromised immune systems or medical problems could raise body temperature and impair proper bodily functioning.

Hot tubs and jacuzzis, like any body of water, increase the risk of drowning, particularly if individuals are alone. Dr. Baden explained that if someone loses consciousness while alone in a hot tub, they run the risk of drowning. Given Perry's medical history, including multiple surgeries and post-surgical episodes, the likelihood of sudden loss of consciousness is higher.

Authorities confirmed that Perry's body was taken directly from his home by the coroner and was not transported to the hospital, indicating that he was already deceased when found. Dr. Baden stated that if there had been any chance of Perry still being alive, he would have been taken to the hospital.

Perry's struggles with substance abuse and addiction have been well-documented. He spent millions of dollars on his battle with addiction, including multiple stints in rehab and numerous surgeries for addiction-related medical issues. Dr. Baden emphasized that addiction to painkillers and drugs, as well as alcohol, can impair the body's ability to function properly, increasing the risk of drowning, heat stroke, and overexertion.

The news of Perry's death has left friends, family, and the public heartbroken. The “Friends” cast released a statement expressing their devastation and describing themselves as more than just cast mates but a family. They paid tribute to Perry's talent, wit, and kindness, expressing their love and condolences to his family and friends.

The official “Friends” show and Warner Bros. TV also shared their grief and described Perry as a true gift who brought joy to millions of people worldwide.

Perry's family expressed their sorrow and gratitude for the outpouring of love, describing Matthew as someone who brought joy to the world both as an actor and a friend.

As investigations into Perry's death continue, his fans and loved ones mourn the loss of a talented actor and advocate for addiction recovery. The impact of his struggles with addiction and the challenges he faced serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing addiction as a major societal problem.