Federal prosecutors have recently disclosed new details surrounding the tragic death of actor Matthew Perry, revealing that he suffered a severe medical reaction to an at-home ketamine injection just days before his passing.
According to a report from the Department of Justice (DOJ) obtained by E! News, Perry, best known for his iconic role on the TV show ‘Friends,’ experienced a significant episode on October 12, 2023, that left him unable to speak or move. The incident occurred just 16 days before Perry was found unresponsive in his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023. The official cause of death was determined to be the “acute effects of ketamine” coupled with drowning.
The newly unsealed documents provide further insight into the events leading up to Perry’s death. Five individuals have been charged in connection with the case, including Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who is accused of administering a large dose of ketamine to Perry at the request of Perry’s live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa. The DOJ reports that this injection led to a significant spike in Perry’s systolic blood pressure, rendering him incapacitated.
Dr. Plasencia is now facing multiple charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine, seven counts of ketamine distribution, and two counts of falsifying documents related to the investigation. Iwamasa has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. According to his plea agreement, Iwamasa injected Perry with ketamine obtained through unofficial means on the morning of his death and administered two additional doses throughout the day before leaving Perry unattended. Upon his return, Iwamasa discovered Perry unresponsive in his hot tub.
In addition to Plasencia and Iwamasa, Jasveen Sangha, known as “The Ketamine Queen,” has also been charged with multiple offenses related to ketamine distribution and possession. Erik Fleming and Dr. Mark Chavez, who are alleged to have supplied ketamine to Iwamasa and Plasencia, have also pleaded guilty to related charges.
Anne Milgram of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration commented on the case, stating, “We allege each of the defendants played a key role in his death by falsely prescribing, selling, or injecting the ketamine that caused Matthew Perry’s tragic death. Matthew Perry’s journey began with unscrupulous doctors who abused their position of trust because they saw him as a payday, to street dealers who gave him ketamine in unmarked vials.”
The investigation continues as authorities work to hold all responsible parties accountable for their involvement in Perry’s untimely demise.
