Matthew Perry, with dreams of embarking on a fresh chapter in life, tragically passed away before he could fully turn the page. In an intimate conversation with Savannah Guthrie on the Today show, the late actor's mother, Suzanne Morrison, revealed that her son, who succumbed to the acute effects of ketamine at 54 on October 28, 2023, had been "desperately seeking a solution" after decades-long battles with addiction. Sharing heartfelt insights alongside her husband Keith Morrison and their daughters Caitlin, Emily, and Madeline, Suzanne recounted her son's aspirations, saying, "He talked about wanting a wife, children, and expressed a genuine desire for that life." She further added that a "dog frolicking around the house" was another cherished vision her son had shared.
However, Suzanne emphasized, "He failed to grasp the perilous nature of the ketamine infusion therapy he was undergoing" as a means to combat his depression. According to the autopsy report obtained by PEOPLE, Perry had maintained sobriety for an impressive 19 months prior to his demise. Tragically, five individuals, including two doctors—Jasveen Sangha, known monikerously as "The Ketamine Queen"—and his personal, unqualified live-in assistant, have been charged in connection with his death for allegedly administering him ketamine "repeatedly without medical training."
In the wake of his passing, Perry's family established the Matthew Perry Foundation and subsequently, the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada, both dedicated to supporting those grappling with addiction—a mission Perry was deeply passionate about, as shared by his sister Emily Morrison on Today. "When someone sought his help, he'd drop everything to assist them, regardless of his circumstances," Emily recalled. "He strived to be physically and mentally well to lend a helping hand whenever needed."
His impact resonated profoundly within the community even after his death. His sister Madeline Morrison recounted, "After he passed, people often approached me, sharing that their sobriety was attributed solely to him and his efforts to aid them. He even footed the bill for their rehabilitation."
For this week's cover story, Keith Morrison, 77, opened his heart to PEOPLE, painting a vivid picture of his stepson's final days, marked by an unprecedented sense of peace. "He actively sought out embraces from his family members, a behavior uncharacteristic of his usual reserved demeanor," Keith reminisced. "He frequently expressed his love and longing for them, which was unlike him. It felt as though he had a premonition or had accepted his mortality, cherishing every moment with those he held dear."
