Matthew Perry's Cause Of Death 'Deferred' Pending Further Investigation

Matthew Perry's cause of death is being labeled as "deferred" pending toxicology reports and autopsy results. 

As we reported, Perry was found dead in the backyard of his home in Los Angeles after reportedly playing a game of pickleball. 

Although there were no illegal drugs found in his immediate surroundings, there were prescription drugs found, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications.

Initial reports are that Matthew Perry died from drowning in his jacuzzi, an autopsy carried out has revealed that his cause of death is "deferred" pending a toxicology. 

This revelation means that, at the moment, it's hard to determine what exactly led to Perry's death until the coroner gets his blood work.

As we previously reported, prior to his passing, Perry was involved in a 2-hour game of pickleball. During this period, he sent his assistant out on an errand. On getting back, the assistant found the actor unresponsive and proceeded to call 911.

First responders allegedly discovered multiple prescription medications rather than illicit drugs at Matthew Perry's residence. But no hard drugs.

Among the drugs found were antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and a COPD drug, commonly prescribed for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, conditions potentially linked to Perry's history as a smoker.

Before his death, Perry was a smoker and once battled substance abuse. In his memoir, "Friends, Lovers And The Big Terrible Thing," the "Fools Rush In" star got candid about his struggles, writing: "Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead."

He continued: "People would be surprised to know that I have mostly been sober since 2001. Save for about sixty or seventy little mishaps over the years."

In a chat with the Daily Mail, a friend in recovery with Perry noted his positive outlook. 

They said, "It's no secret that he struggled with drugs and alcohol for years but the last time I spoke to him, which was within the last few weeks, he seemed to be in a good place. He was upbeat and sounded sober and positive."

"He'd been to rehab 17 times and nearly died from opioid abuse but he was someone who was sincere about taking his life, and his sobriety, one day at a time," the friend continued. "It's such tragic news. Everyone is praying he didn't relapse. Matt was a genuinely lovely guy. He was always the first to welcome newcomers to the group and would always volunteer to help and be of service."

In his 2022 memoir, Perry wrote about how the famous sitcom Friends changed his life. He played Chandler Bing on the show, which debuted in late 1994.

The sitcom ran for ten seasons and also starred Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox and Matt LeBlanc. In his book, Perry noted that he was sure the comedy series would be a success from his first read of the script while auditioning.

He said that when the main cast was finally picked and together, they had their first table read, and it was a big success thanks to the chemistry they all had. 

Perry stated that “all the jokes landed” and that the actors finished the reading to “thunderous applause.” He added, “Everyone could smell money. The cast could smell fame. This show was going to work, and it was going to change everyone’s lives forever.”

Perry recalled in his memoir how the “Friends” director, James Edward Burrows, sent the cast on a grand trip to Vegas, telling them their lives would change forever after the show premiered. The director gave the six then-upcoming actors $100 each and told them to have fun.

Perry shared, per Insider, “We six new friends got drunk and gambled and wandered through the casinos, just six close strangers on a weekend trip, unknown to anyone, no one asking for autographs or photos, none of us being chased by paparazzi, a million miles from what was coming, which was every single moment of our lives being documented in public for all to see forever.”

The actor, in an interview, admitted that his co-stars were all worried about his struggles with alcohol and that Aniston even once confronted him about his drinking. 

Since his unfortunate passing, tributes have poured in immensely for the late star. 

R.I.P Matthew Perry