Friends veteran Perry tragically died in October 2023.

At the time of his passing, his family issued a heartbreaking statement paying tribute to the actor.

It read: “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother.

“Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend.

“You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love.”

Six weeks after he died, Perry’s cause of death was ruled to be due to the effects of ketamine.

The examiner also said contributing factors in Perry’s death also included ‘drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine (used to treat opioid use disorder)’.

According to The Guardian, Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for anxiety and depression, but his last known infusion was a week and a half prior to his death, meaning that the drugs in his system weren’t related to an infusion – henceforth drug misuse couldn’t be ruled out.

Dr. Ed Boyer, a professor of emergency medicine at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, said to CNN in December 2023 that ‘the elevated concentrations of ketamine suggest high levels of use’.

“Considering his last ketamine therapy was at least a week before, misuse – even recreational use – cannot be ruled out,” he added.

It wasn’t until May of this year that police launched a criminal enquiry into the well-loved actor’s death.

When the investigation was launched, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said in a press statement: “Based on the medical examiner’s findings, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United States Postal Inspection Service, has continued its investigation into the circumstances of Mr Perry’s death.”

An unnamed female celebrity has since been questioned in connection with Perry’s passing and reportedly had her phone and laptop seized.

As the investigation continues, she’s now hired a criminal defence lawyer.

The woman had been voluntarily answering the authorities’ questions on the matter before acquiring the services of top Hollywood lawyers, RadarOnline.com reports.

The woman in question is said to be denying her involvement in Perry’s death.

“She is adamant she had nothing to do with Matthew’s death,” a source said.

Speaking to In Touch, the insider added that the female celeb is ‘being tight-lipped about the situation’.