On October 28, 2023, the world lost beloved actor Matthew Perry to a ketamine overdose, a tragedy that has since sparked a deep investigation into the events leading to his untimely death.
The Hollywood Reporter reported that Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on "Friends," made a shocking request to his assistant on the morning of his death: “Shoot me up with a big one.”
This plea marked the beginning of a fatal sequence of events that would result in a high-profile criminal investigation.
Authorities have since uncovered a broad underground network that supplied Perry with illegal ketamine, leading to charges against five individuals, including Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa.
The case sheds light on the dangers of self-medicating and the perilous world of underground drug distribution.
Perry had been legally undergoing ketamine treatments for depression, a therapy supervised by his regular doctor. However, his desire for more frequent doses led him to seek alternative sources. The turning point came on September 30, 2023, when Perry and Iwamasa met Dr. Salvador Plasencia. Plasencia, a key figure in the case, sourced ketamine from Dr. Mark Chavez and provided it to Perry.
Iwamasa paid $4,500 in cash for an initial injection session, where Plasencia also instructed him on administering the drug. This session marked the beginning of Perry’s dangerous journey into unregulated ketamine use. Iwamasa would go on to inject Perry multiple times, tweaking the dosages and communicating with Plasencia to find what they referred to as "the sweet spot."
As Perry's dependency on ketamine grew, so did the network of individuals involved in his procurement of the drug. By mid-October, Iwamasa had transitioned from paying for injection sessions to purchasing vials of ketamine directly from Plasencia. This shift was a critical moment in the case, as it demonstrated the increasing scale and risk of their actions.
Later in October, Iwamasa turned to another source—Erik Fleming, a former director and producer. Fleming introduced Iwamasa to Jasveen Sangha, who had earned the moniker "the Ketamine Queen" in the underground scene. On one occasion, Perry and Iwamasa paid Sangha $5,500 for 25 vials of ketamine, which Fleming delivered to Perry’s home.
The week leading up to Perry's death was marked by escalating risks and a dangerous disregard for his health. On October 20, 2023, Perry received what would be his final legal ketamine treatment. Just days later, on October 27, 2023, Perry and Iwamasa paid Plasencia a staggering $21,000 for more ketamine. During this session, Perry experienced a seizure, prompting Plasencia to warn him, “Let’s not do that again.” Despite this, Perry’s resolve to continue was evident.
On the morning of October 28, 2023, Perry's request for a large dose signaled the tragic end of his struggle. Iwamasa administered injections at 8:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., and 1:30 p.m., each time increasing the dosage as Perry desired. The final injection came just before Iwamasa left to run errands, leaving Perry alone in his hot tub.
Upon returning, Iwamasa found Perry face down in the hot tub, unresponsive. Emergency services were called, but it was too late.
Paramedics declared Perry dead at the scene, with the coroner later confirming that ketamine overdose was the primary cause of death, with drowning as a secondary factor.
The death of Matthew Perry has not only brought attention to the dangers of ketamine but has also exposed the dark underworld of illegal drug distribution. The involvement of his assistant and the network of individuals who supplied the drug highlights the complexity and danger of underground operations.
In the aftermath of Perry's death, five individuals, including three doctors, Sangha, and Iwamasa, have been charged in connection with his overdose. The charges reflect their roles in what authorities have described as a "broad underground criminal network."
This network, which provided Perry with the means to self-administer lethal doses of ketamine, is now the focus of intense legal scrutiny.
As the investigation continues, more details may emerge about the extent of this network and the roles played by those involved. For now, the charges against these individuals represent a significant step toward accountability in the tragic death of a beloved actor.
Matthew Perry's death serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with unregulated drug use, particularly in the context of mental health treatment. His struggle with depression and the lengths he went to obtain ketamine underscore the challenges faced by those dealing with mental health issues.
The revelations about Perry’s final days have sparked conversations about the need for better mental health support and the dangers of underground drug networks. As fans and loved ones mourn his loss, the broader implications of his death continue to unfold.
