Aug 15 : Multiple people face federal charges and at least one has been arrested related to an investigation into the death of "Friends" star Matthew Perry in Los Angeles nearly a year ago, various media outlets reported on Thursday (Aug 15).

The person arrested Thursday morning in Southern California was a doctor, ABC News reported citing law enforcement sources. NBC News and The New York Times also reported that at least one person was arrested, according to sources.

Perry died at the age of 54 from "acute effects" of ketamine, a powerful sedative, in addition to other factors that caused the actor to lose consciousness and drown in his hot tub last October, an autopsy said. Los Angeles homicide detectives and federal agents for months have been investigating how Perry obtained the prescription drug.

Prosecutors are slated to unseal an indictment later on Thursday, NBC News reported.

The Los Angeles County medical examiner concluded Perry succumbed to an accidental drug overdose and drowning, with no foul play suspected.

A Dec. 2023 autopsy report concluded Perry died from the "acute effects of ketamine," which combined with other factors caused the actor to lose consciousness and slip below the water in the hot tub at his Los Angeles home.

 - Reuters