Autopsy of Matthew Perry completed, toxicology results pending

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — An autopsy has been performed on Matthew Perry, but it may be some time – possibly weeks – before we know how the “Friends” actor died.

The Los Angeles County coroner’s office confirmed the inquest was conducted Sunday, a day after Perry was found lifeless in a hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home. Perry was 54.

According to police, there were no obvious signs of crime at the scene.

The medical examiner’s office is only listing Perry’s cause of death as “deferred” for now, pending the completion of toxicology tests, which could take weeks.

The actor spoke publicly about his harrowing experiences during his years of drug and alcohol addiction. He also described the serious health consequences of his addiction, including a life-threatening gastrointestinal perforation. But he also explained that he had been clean and sober for the past few years.

Perry’s body has now been released to be returned to his family for burial.

In the meantime, tributes continue to pour in for the beloved actor who portrayed Chandler Bing on the beloved NBC sitcom’s decade-long run.

In a statement, “Friends” co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane and executive producer Kevin Bright said: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the death of our beloved friend Matthew. It still seems impossible. All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him in our lives.”

“He was a brilliant talent,” the statement continued. “It’s a cliché to say that an actor makes a role their own, but in Matthew’s case there are no more accurate words. From the day we first heard him portray the role of Chandler Bing, there was no one else for us. We will.” Always appreciate the joy, the light, the dazzling intelligence that he brought to every moment – not only to his work, but to life too. He was always the funniest person in the room. Furthermore, he was the sweetest, with a giving and selfless heart.”