Five Convicted in Matthew Perry Ketamine Death Case

The 54-year-old 'Friends' star Matthew Perry died on October 28, 2023, from the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning as a secondary cause. The case led to the conviction of five individuals involved in supplying and administering the drug.

Perry had been receiving legal ketamine treatments for depression from his regular doctor but sought more. His assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who had been trusted by Perry's family for decades, played a central role in obtaining and injecting the drug.

Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a physician, began supplying Perry with ketamine in September 2023, charging thousands of dollars in cash and teaching Iwamasa how to inject it.

On October 28, Iwamasa gave Perry three injections, the last of which Perry requested by saying 'Shoot me up with a big one.' Iwamasa left Perry alone in the backyard Jacuzzi and returned to find him face down, unresponsive. Paramedics declared him dead.

The investigation revealed a network of suppliers: Erik Fleming, a licensed drug counselor who relapsed into addiction, connected Perry to Jasveen Sangha, known as the 'Ketamine Queen.' Sangha supplied the fatal dose. Dr.

Mark Chavez, another physician, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy. The sentences range from eight months of home detention for Chavez to 15 years in prison for Sangha.

Iwamasa received 3.5 years, Fleming two years, and Plasencia 2.5 years. The case highlights the dangers of illegal ketamine use and the exploitation of a vulnerable celebrity.