He experienced worldwide fame, brutal addiction, public redemption—and a tragic epilogue. On October 28, 2023, Matthew Perry was found lifeless in hi
He experienced worldwide fame, brutal addiction, public redemption—and a tragic epilogue. On October 28, 2023, Matthew Perry was found lifeless in his scorching tub in Los Angeles. His autopsy revealed that he died of the acute effects of ketamine, combined with a cocktail of other medical complications. A therapeutic treatment for his addiction had turned into a tragedy.
Five people have been charged as a result of the investigation into Perry’s death. One of them, California emergency doctor Salvador Plasencia, has accepted an agreement to plead guilty, People reveals. Plasencia admits to four counts of illegally distributing ketamine to Perry between September and October 2023. He faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $2 million fine.
According to court documents, Plasencia did more than simply prescribe Perry ketamine. He allegedly injected the substance into Perry, not only at the actor’s home but also in the parking lot of a Long Beach aquarium—all for an estimated price of over $2,000 per vial. According to prosecutors, Plasencia even taught the actor’s personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, how to administer the doses, despite Iwamasa’s lack of medical training. (Iwamasa has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.)
Over a two-week period, Plasencia allegedly supplied 20 vials and a complete kit of syringes and lozenges to the actor, whose demand for ketamine far exceeded legal requirements. In a message addressed to Dr. Mark Chavez (who was also charged in the Perry investigation, and pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute ketamine), Plasencia described Perry as a “moron” before speculating about how much the star would be willing to pay for his dose.
This is not the first time that ketamine has been at the heart of rogue practices. Although the substance is enjoying a revival in the treatment of depressive disorders, it remains a powerful anesthetic. Unfortunately, the psychotropic drug is often diverted from its medical apply. Perry developed a dependence on the substance after regaining a certain stability after years of public addiction. In his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, published a year before his death, the actor spoke frankly about his addictions, his stays in rehab, and his failures. He also expressed a tenacious hope that he might assist others through his testimony.
In addition to Plasencia, Chavez, Iwamasa, and alleged drug dealer Erik Fleming (who has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death), the investigation charged Jasveen Sangha—nicknamed the “Ketamine Queen” in California circles. She is accused of supplying Perry’s fatal dose, and is the only person charged in the case not to have accepted a plea bargain thus far. Her trial is scheduled for August 2025. Among the charges against her are conspiracy to distribute, possession, and distribution of illegal substances, and maintaining a premises used for drug trafficking. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges against her.
Original story in VF France. This article has been translated and lightly edited from the original French.
COMMENTS