NEW DELHI: Matthew Perry, renowned for his iconic role as Chandler Bing in ‘FRIENDS’, tragically passed away on Sunday, leaving fans and the entertainment industry in shock. While initial reports suggest drowning as the main cause of death, official confirmation awaits the coroner’s investigation.
According to the New York Times, detectives from the Robbery Homicide division initiated a preliminary investigation on Sunday. Despite no apparent signs of trauma, the exact cause of Perry’s death remains undetermined, and authorities have not detected any indications of foul play.
On Monday, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner noted on its website that Perry’s cause of death was “deferred,” indicating the need for further investigation. However, his case was subsequently removed from the website, and the department disclosed that the investigation is ongoing without providing additional details.
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Experts have cautioned that the process of conducting toxicology screenings and examining other evidence could extend for weeks or even months.
Matthew Perry had been open about his struggles with addiction, which had led to multiple hospitalisations for various health issues. His 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing,” detailed some of the health challenges he faced. In 2018, he encountered a series of medical episodes, including pneumonia, a ruptured colon, a brief stint on life support, two weeks in a coma, nine months with a colostomy bag, and more than half a dozen stomach operations.
Dr. Judy Melinek, a forensic pathologist unaffiliated with the investigation, highlighted the significance of determining if Perry’s nose and mouth were below the waterline when he was discovered, as this could indicate drowning. Furthermore, investigating whether heart disease or intoxication played a role is imperative, but these test results could take a considerable amount of time due to challenges such as a shortage of qualified toxicologists, funding constraints, and equipment availability.
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Dr. Melinek also recommended that investigators search for home security footage that might shed light on the case. Additionally, examining the hot tub itself to ensure it was correctly grounded and that the water temperature was within the safe range is crucial. If the water was excessively hot but not scalding, it could lead to heat exhaustion and dehydration, potentially contributing to a drowning scenario.
As the investigation continues, fans, friends, and colleagues mourn the loss of a beloved actor while awaiting answers surrounding the tragic circumstances of Matthew Perry’s passing.