In a troubling culmination to a career marred by personal struggles, authorities found actor Matthew Perry dead on October 28, 2023, after he received multiple ketamine injections. Perry's passing has brought to light a series of illegal activities and reckless behavior centered around the drug's use.
In court documents recently unsealed, evidence points to a disturbing pattern of ketamine abuse involving Perry and his assistant, which ultimately led to the actor's death, US Weekly reported.
Matthew Perry, best known for his role in the television series "Friends," had been living with his assistant, Kenny Iwamasa, who played a significant role in the events leading up to Perry's demise. Records show that during the 29 days before Perry’s death, Iwamasa purchased at least 55 vials of ketamine, costing upwards of $55,000. These transactions aimed to acquire the substance, frequently used for both medicinal and illicit purposes.
The ketamine was often procured through hazardous and illegal means. Kenny Iwamasa was heavily implicated in this aspect, evidenced by a flurry of back-to-back messages concerning ketamine procurement. Some of these messages hinted at deals structured in the early morning hours, placing both Iwamasa and Perry in provocative situations.
The duo, along with others involved, often met Dr. Salvador Plasencia, infamously referred to as Dr. P., in dimly lit parking lots for ketamine injections directly administered in their vehicle. This risky approach to drug administration suggests a blatant disregard for medical safety standards and ethical practices.
Dr. P. also made several house calls to Perry's residence, where he would administer doses of ketamine sometimes directly following another dose that Perry received elsewhere. This excessive and frequent dosing was dangerous, contributing to Perry's deteriorating health. One particular instance highlighted by records showed Perry experiencing a dramatic spike in his systolic blood pressure following an injection by Dr. P., leaving him in a paralyzed state, unable to move or speak.
The intensity of Perry's ketamine use escalated drastically in the 72 hours leading to his death. In that period alone, Iwamasa injected Perry at least 21 times. On the day Perry died, Iwamasa administered three additional, fatal injections, the last of which was upon Perry's request for "a big one," which tragically became his final words.
Following Perry’s death, an investigation uncovered not just the reckless behavior of Iwamasa but also implicated multiple individuals in a larger network distributing ketamine. Kenny Iwamasa later pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. Others charged included Dr. Salvador Plasencia, Jasveen Sangha who was dubbed the "Ketamine Queen," as well as Dr. Mark Chavez and Erik Fleming.
Detailed examination of text messages and transactions unveiled a series of illegal purchases involving not only vials but also ketamine lozenges. At times, Perry, Iwamasa, and their associates used coded language, referring to ketamine as “Dr. Pepper,” their slang for the drug. They made payments electronically and in cash at various locations, including Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade and a parking lot in Long Beach.
A significant illegal purchase of 25 vials of ketamine just nine days before Perry's death marked a deep plunge into what would become a non-stop dosing regimen. This sharp increase in consumption showcased a desperate and deepening dependency that Perry and Iwamasa were unable to escape from.
Matthew Perry’s death has sustained extensive media coverage, with echoes of his public struggles with addiction well-known to his fanbase over the years. The culmination of these battles has painted a cautionary tale about the perils of drug abuse, legality, and the importance of responsible medical care.
In the conclusion to a tragic chapter in Hollywood, Matthew Perry’s life and its untimely ending act as a grim reminder of the dangers lurking when addiction overshadows caution. The series of questionable decisions, as revealed by investigations, highlights the failings of a system and individuals entrusted with better judgment.
