Remembering Matthew Perry: A Family’s Journey Towards Justice

Reflecting on a Comedy Legend

One year after the heartbreaking loss of Matthew Perry, the beloved star of “Friends,” his family has come forward to share their reflections and hopes for justice on the “Today” show. This poignant interview allowed Perry’s mother Suzanne Morrison, stepfather Keith Morrison, and his three younger sisters to delve into the aftermath of his untimely death and their pursuit of justice against those accused of supplying him with fatal drugs.

Pursuing Justice: A Family’s Determination

As the grieving family makes strides towards finding closure, they are buoyed by the upcoming trial set for March 2025. Suzanne Morrison, Perry’s mother, expressed her relief, stating, “I’m thrilled,” signaling a step closer to justice for her son.

Keith Morrison echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the broader implications of the trial. He asserted, “What I’m hoping, and I think the agencies that got involved in this are hoping, that people who have put themselves in the business of supplying people with the drugs that will kill them are now on notice. It doesn’t matter what your professional credentials are, you are going down, baby.”

The Investigation Unfolds

Earlier this year, the DEA and LAPD launched an extensive investigation to identify those responsible for supplying Perry with the drugs that ultimately led to his death. The intensive probe resulted in the arrest of five individuals, including Perry’s assistant, multiple doctors, and Jasveen Sangha, infamously known as the “Ketamine Queen.” Both Sangha and one of the doctors are slated to face trial next year, with potential penalties amounting to several decades in prison.

The Final Moments: A Mother’s Reflection

On October 28, 2023, Perry was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home, succumbing to the acute effects of ketamine. His death, ruled an accident, also involved factors like drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine used to treat opioid dependency.

In a revealing preview of the interview released by Savannah Guthrie, Suzanne Morrison recounted a particularly poignant final conversation with her son. She recalled, “He went through a period, interestingly enough just before he died, when he was showing me one of his new houses. He came up to me and he said, ‘I love you so much and I’m so happy to be with you now.’ It was almost as though it was a premonition or something.”

Reflecting deeper, Morrison expressed her concerns, stating, “There was an inevitability to what was going to happen next to him, and he felt it very strongly. But he said, ‘I’m not frightened anymore.’ And it worried me.”

The Illusion of Sobriety

Keith Morrison shared his perspective during the discussion, revealing that he was under the impression Perry had remained sober. He said, “It certainly seemed like it to me. Though he had been treated with ketamine, it hadn’t turned into something that he couldn’t control.” Keith added that Perry often presented a facade of control, which masked his struggle: “He would make decisions. ‘I can handle this. I can do this. I can tell you what’s right. I know the whole system inside and out. I know what the drug will do to me.’ So there was always that worry.”

His sister Madeline also reflected on Perry’s possible relapse, expressing uncertainty with, “I don’t even know if, in his mind, he had relapsed.”

Moving Forward: The Matthew Perry Foundation

To honor Perry’s memory and assist others grappling with addiction, his family has launched the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada. Leading this impactful initiative is his sister, Caitlin, serving as the executive director. The foundation aims to provide support and resources to those struggling with addiction, continuing Perry’s legacy of helping others.

Matthew Perry will always be remembered not only for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on “Friends” but also for his earnest efforts to support those fighting addiction. His family’s quest for justice and their commitment to aiding others through the newly established foundation serves as a testament to Perry’s enduring impact.

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