Five people have been arrested following the investigation into actor Matthew Perry’s death from an accidental drug overdose, which occurred less than a year ago.
According to People, the “Friends” star died on October 28, 2023, from a ketamine overdose, among other ailments.
Perry, 54, was discovered by first responders in a jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home. Autopsy confirmed the cause of death as acute ketamine effects, with drowning and coronary artery disease as contributing factors.
Perry, who had been sober for 19 months, died while undergoing ketamine infusion therapy, according to reports.
After the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner closed the investigation in December, the LAPD reopened the case in May 2024 to investigate the source of Mr. Perry’s death-related drugs.
The investigation was linked to a case with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
On August 15, 2024, Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, and two doctors behind the results, Jasveen Sangha and Dr. Salvador Plascencia, were arrested. Both are charged with conspiring to distribute ketamine.
According to the Department of Justice, the defendants took advantage of Perry’s drug addiction for personal gain.
Sangha, the “Ketamine Queen,” was unaware of the health risks she posed to Perry. Estrada is quoted as saying, “In the end, these defendants were more interested in profiting off Mr. Perry than caring for his well-being.”
According to The Times, Iwamasa has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to cause death by distributing ketamine and faces a sentence of 15-25 years in prison. In the meantime,
Dr. Mark Chavez accepted a plea deal and faces up to ten years in prison.
Keith Morrison, Perry’s stepfather, expressed his desire for justice in the ongoing legal proceedings, urging alleged perpetrators to face punishment for their crimes.
On February 18, 2025, a documentary titled “Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy” aired on Peacock, exploring the circumstances surrounding his death.
