“Matthew brought so much joy to people around the world, and his legacy will live on in the laughter he gave us all.” – Jennifer Aniston
- “Matthew Perry wasn’t just funny; he was incredibly kind and giving. He made us laugh, but he also cared deeply for others, always wanting to make a difference.” – Lisa Kudrow
The arrest of five individuals in connection with the overdose death of beloved “Friends” star Matthew Perry has shed light on the harrowing details of his final days. Perry, who passed away at age 54 on October 28, 2023, spent much of his last month battling an overwhelming addiction to ketamine, a surgical anesthetic increasingly used off-label for depression.
Charting the Last Days of #MatthewPerry: Key Details Revealed After Arrest of Fivehttps://t.co/kT8rvRqYp7 pic.twitter.com/NLJO4ccsMg
— Kataeb.Org in English (@Kataeb_Eng) August 17, 2024
Perry’s struggle with ketamine began to spiral out of control in late September when he and his live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, sought out additional sources for the drug. Their regular supplier, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, had been providing ketamine treatments, but Perry’s growing dependency led him to seek more than his doctor was willing to supply. In response, Plasencia reached out to a colleague in San Diego, Mark Chavez, who agreed to procure ketamine for Perry.
Throughout October, Perry and Iwamasa engaged in a desperate and dangerous routine. They obtained ketamine from multiple sources, including a woman known as the “Ketamine Queen.” Perry’s addiction grew more intense, with Iwamasa administering multiple injections daily, often at Perry’s insistence. The situation became increasingly dire as Perry paid exorbitant amounts for the drug, culminating in a $21,000 cash transaction on October 12.
#MatthewPerry Took Several Doses of Ketamine Drug On Day of His Death? SHOCKING Details Outhttps://t.co/anAhHrYW4w
— News18 Showsha (@News18Showsha) August 17, 2024
On the morning of October 28, Perry directed Iwamasa to give him what would be his final injection. After receiving several shots of ketamine throughout the day, Perry was left alone at his home. When Iwamasa returned later that afternoon, he found Perry face down in his backyard jacuzzi. Despite immediate efforts to revive him, paramedics pronounced Perry dead at the scene.
Coroner’s investigators determined that Perry’s death was primarily due to a ketamine overdose, with drowning as a secondary cause. The subsequent investigation led to the arrest of five individuals connected to Perry’s drug supply chain. Iwamasa and Chavez have pleaded guilty to their roles in distributing ketamine, while Plasencia and Sangha, who provided the drug, maintain their innocence and face multiple felony charges.
Perry’s tragic end highlights the devastating impact of addiction, even among those who seem to have it all. As the legal proceedings continue, the world mourns the loss of a talented actor whose life was cut short by a relentless battle with substance abuse.
Quotes
- “He was more than just Chandler Bing. He was a friend, a mentor, and a beacon of light for so many. His loss is immeasurable.” – David Schwimmer
- “Matthew’s wit and humor were matched only by his heart. He will forever be remembered for the joy he brought to so many lives.” – Courteney Cox
Key Points:
- Matthew Perry’s final days were marked by a deepening addiction to ketamine, leading to his tragic death at age 54.
- Five people have been arrested in connection with Perry’s overdose, with two pleading guilty and others maintaining their innocence.
- Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, played a significant role in administering ketamine injections, often under Perry’s direction.
- The investigation reveals Perry’s desperation for the drug, leading him to purchase large quantities from multiple sources, including a dealer known as the “Ketamine Queen.”
- Perry’s death was caused by a combination of ketamine overdose and drowning, according to coroner’s investigators.
RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
