Matthew Perry, best known for his role in the television show Friends, died on Oct. 28, 2023, at the age of 54, and his death, according to the official autopsy report, was attributed to the acute effects of ketamine.

In a tragic sequence of events, Perry was allegedly injected with ketamine multiple times on the day of his death by his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, with the actor's final day revealed in tragic detail by recent court documents charging those believed responsible, as Fox News reports. 

Assistant Injected Perry with Ketamine

On the morning of Oct. 28, 2023, Iwamasa, administered three ketamine injections to the actor between 8:30 a.m. and about 1:25 p.m. It was during this time that Perry reportedly asked Iwamasa to "shoot me up with a big one," referring to the final injection. After running errands that afternoon, Iwamasa returned to find Perry unresponsive, face down in a Jacuzzi at his home.

This was not the first time Perry had suffered a severe reaction to ketamine. Earlier in the month, on Oct. 12, Perry experienced a significant medical event following a large dose of ketamine administered by Dr. Salvador Plasencia. Following this incident, Plasencia reportedly told Iwamasa, "Let’s not do that again."

Perry’s Introduction to Ketamine Use

Perry’s involvement with ketamine began in September 2023, when Iwamasa introduced him to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who in turn, obtained ketamine from Dr. Mark Chavez, who had submitted a fraudulent prescription under a former patient’s name to secure the drug. Over the course of the next several weeks, Iwamasa paid Plasencia a total of $55,000 for various forms of ketamine, including liquid vials and lozenges.

Plasencia also played a key role in teaching Iwamasa how to inject Perry with ketamine. The frequency of these injections increased dramatically in the final days of Perry's life. From Oct. 24 to Oct. 27, 2023, Perry was injected with ketamine six to eight times a day, a practice that would ultimately lead to his untimely death.

Illegal Ketamine Network Revealed

As Perry's dependency on ketamine grew, Iwamasa sought additional sources for the drug. He eventually connected with middleman Erik Fleming on Oct. 10, 2023. Fleming, in turn, worked with Jasveen Sangha, known in underground circles as "The Ketamine Queen," who maintained a stash house for distributing controlled substances.

Fleming arranged for two deliveries of ketamine to Iwamasa: the first on Oct. 14, consisting of 25 vials, and the second on Oct, 24, which included another 25 vials. These deliveries were part of the supply that ultimately led to Perry’s overdose.

Arrests and Legal Proceedings Follow Perry’s Death

In the aftermath of Perry’s death, authorities launched an investigation that resulted in the arrest of five individuals on Aug. 15. Among those charged were Iwamasa, Plasencia, Chavez, Sangha, and Fleming. Each played a role in the illegal distribution of ketamine, which directly contributed to Perry's death.

Iwamasa pleaded guilty on Aug. 7, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. Sangha and Plasencia were also charged with conspiracy to distribute ketamine, with Sangha facing additional charges related to maintaining a drug-involved premises and the distribution of other controlled substances.

Conspirators Admit Their Roles in Ketamine Distribution

Erik Fleming pleaded guilty on Aug. 8, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death. In his plea agreement, Fleming admitted to distributing the ketamine that led to Perry’s fatal overdose.

Dr. Mark Chavez, the source of the ketamine, agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Chavez admitted to illegally selling ketamine to Plasencia, including from his former clinic, which was used in the fatal doses administered to Perry.

Matthew Perry Remembered After Tragic Death

Perry’s death sent shockwaves through Hollywood and his global fanbase. A memorial service was held on Nov. 3, 2023, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, where friends, family, and fans gathered to pay their respects to the beloved actor.

Perry’s untimely passing serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with drug abuse, particularly with powerful substances like ketamine. His story, marked by struggle and tragedy, highlights the darker side of fame and the pressures that come with it.

Legal Proceedings Continue as Hollywood Mourns

The legal proceedings against those involved in Perry’s death are ongoing. As Hollywood continues to mourn the loss of one of its brightest stars, the full extent of the illegal ketamine network has come to light, underscoring the broader issue of drug misuse in the entertainment industry.

As the case moves forward, it remains a poignant reminder of the lives lost to addiction and the far-reaching consequences of illegal drug distribution.

Conclusion: A Tragic Tale of Addiction and Loss

Matthew Perry's death on Oct. 28, 2023, due to an overdose of ketamine, with additional contributing factors, has led to significant legal repercussions for those involved in supplying the drug.

His assistant, a doctor, a ketamine supplier, and several intermediaries have all been charged or pleaded guilty in connection with this tragedy.

Perry's story is a sobering reflection on the dangers of drug addiction and the impact it can have on even the most successful and beloved individuals.