A documentary titled ‘Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy’ reveals details about the actor’s final days, highlighting that he received 27 ketamine injections just before his death at 54 in October 2023. Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing on ‘Friends,’ was found unconscious in a swimming pool, with his death classified as related to ketamine use and accidental drowning. Five individuals, including two doctors and Perry’s assistant, face charges for their roles in supplying the drug. The documentary emphasizes accountability for those who exploit addiction issues, marking a shift in the narrative surrounding overdose deaths.
A recent documentary has highlighted the last days of Matthew Perry, indicating that the actor received 27 ketamine injections over the three days prior to his tragic passing at the age of 54 in October 2023. The film, ‘Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy,’ includes comments from US Attorney Martin Estrada. Mr. Perry, renowned for his role as Chandler Bing on the beloved TV sitcom ‘Friends’ from 1994-2004, was discovered unconscious in a swimming pool at his residence in Los Angeles in October 2023. The autopsy report classified his death as resulting from “acute effects of ketamine” with accidental drowning cited as the manner of death.
In the documentary, Martin Estrada, who oversaw the inquiry into Mr. Perry’s demise, disclosed that the actor had been given 27 doses of ketamine by “individuals who should have known much better,” as reported by the New York Post.
Five individuals face charges linked to his death, including two physicians, his assistant, and a purported drug dealer referred to as “the Ketamine Queen.” An indictment unsealed in August claims that Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, along with acquaintance Erik Fleming, worked with doctors Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez to acquire significant amounts of ketamine for Perry before his overdose.
Jasveen Sangha, identified as the “Ketamine Queen,” is particularly accused of supplying the ketamine that contributed to his demise. The indictment states that Iwamasa administered the last three doses of ketamine procured from Sangha to Mr. Perry on the day he died, using needles supplied by Dr. Plasencia.
“Dr. Plasencia was very explicit in text messages… that he perceived this as an opportunity to make a substantial profit quickly, and he allegedly did just that,” Mr. Estrada stated in the new documentary.
Dr. Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha have pleaded not guilty and are set to stand trial on March 4 in Los Angeles. In contrast, Kenneth Iwamasa, Erik Fleming, and Dr. Mark Chavez have entered guilty pleas and await sentencing.
“In the past, we used to refer to these incidents as overdose deaths and often placed blame on the victim. We no longer do that. We hold drug dealers and sellers accountable for exploiting addiction issues that lead to death or serious harm, which is why we pursue these cases. The key message from this case is that when individuals engaged in reckless undertakings, be it drug dealing or otherwise, cause the deaths of others, accountability is necessary,” the attorney remarked.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic approved by US health authorities for surgical applications, administered via intramuscular injection or intravenous (IV) delivery. It is chemically similar to the recreational drug PCP and has been used recreationally for its euphoric effects. However, it can also trigger hallucinations and may adversely impact respiratory and cardiac functions.
Notably, the FDA sanctioned the drug in 2019 for the treatment of resistant depression. While some experts and patients consider it lifesaving, others argue it is addictive and linked to bladder issues. Prolonged, heavy use of ketamine can lead to severe, irreversible damage to the bladder and kidneys, along with intense abdominal pain. The drug should only be accessed and administered by a qualified and experienced medical professional.