Matthew Perry's Initial Post-Mortem 'Inconclusive' As Toxicology Report Requested

Matthew Perry's initial post-mortem results are inconclusive and the cause of death has been deferred, according to reports in US media.

Further investigations have been requested including a toxicology report before a determination will be made.

According to NBC News, a report released by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner said that although an official conclusion is not likely to be released for several weeks, Perry's body is ready to be released to his family.

The 54-year-old's family have said they are "heartbroken" following the "tragic loss" of their son.

Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a radio call just after 4pm on Saturday for a death investigation of a male in his 50s.

The actor was best known for playing Chandler Bing on the American sitcom Friends.

In a statement to People, Perry's family said:

"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."

Perry's body was found in a hot tub at his home, according to unnamed sources cited by the Los Angeles Times and celebrity website TMZ.

The actor, who was nominated for an Emmy for his role in Friends, starred alongside Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer and Courteney Cox - who played Perry's on-screen wife, Monica Geller.

The actors reunited on screen for the first time in 2021 after the show ended its celebrated 10-year run in 2004, having become a pop culture phenomenon.

Around a year ago, Perry embarked on a press tour for the release of his memoir Friends, Lovers, And The Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir.

He spoke about his battle with addiction - including a near-death experience in 2019 after his colon burst as a result of opioid use.

Perry recalled one instance when Aniston confronted him about being inebriated while filming.

"I know you're drinking," he remembered her telling him.

"We can smell it," she said in what Perry called a "kind of weird but loving way" - adding: "The plural 'we' hit me like a sledgehammer."

(c) Sky News 2023: Matthew Perry's initial post-mortem 'inconclusive' as toxicology report requested