Matthew Perry's death to be investigated by police after Friends star's death

The police probe into the tragic death of Friends star Matthew Perry will continue, despite it being ruled an accident.

The actor, who passed away in October aged 54, was candid about his struggles with substance abuse and addiction, even establishing a sober living facility for men facing similar battles.

The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to the PA news agency that they are collaborating with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on the ongoing investigation into Perry's death, which a medical examiner determined was due to the effects of ketamine.

The inquiry will reportedly focus on how the actor, best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the popular US sitcom Friends, obtained the general anaesthetic.

Perry was discovered "unresponsive in the pool at his residence" in Los Angeles on October 28. In December, the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner stated that Perry died from the "acute effects of ketamine" and classified the "manner of death as an accident".

A post-mortem examination found that "drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine" an "opioid-like drug used in the treatment of opioid addiction as well as acute and chronic pain" were contributing factors.

The report noted that Perry was undergoing "ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety", with his last known treatment occurring one and a half weeks prior to his death, and suggested he had been "reportedly clean for 19 months" from drug use.

"The ketamine in his system at death could not be from that infusion therapy," read the judgment. The report was unable to establish the "exact method of intake" used by Perry.

A foundation established in Perry's honour, aimed at aiding those battling substance addiction, has received previous backing from fellow Friends star Jennifer Aniston, who portrayed Rachel Green.

Earlier this month, the actor was posthumously recognised during the in memoriam portion of the Bafta TV Awards ceremony, and also at the Emmy Awards back in January.

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