In a recent disclosure, federal prosecutors have revealed that actor Matthew Perry experienced a severe medical reaction to an at-home ketamine injection just days before his tragic death. A report by the Department of Justice suggests Perry was left unable to speak or move following the incident on October 12, 2023, a mere 16 days before he was found dead in his Los Angeles home.
Perry, best known for his role in the iconic TV show 'Friends,' was discovered unresponsive in his hot tub on October 28, 2023. The official cause of death was determined to be "acute effects of ketamine" coupled with drowning.
The newly unsealed documents obtained by E! News, have brought to light the details of Perry's condition leading up to his death.
Prosecutors have charged five individuals in connection with Perry's death, according to E! News. Among those charged is Dr Salvador Plasencia, who allegedly administered a large dose of ketamine to Perry at the request of Perry's live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa.
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The DOJ reports that this at-home injection led to a "significant spike" in Perry's systolic blood pressure, causing him to become incapacitated.
Dr Plasencia is facing multiple charges including conspiracy to distribute ketamine, seven counts of ketamine distribution, and two counts of falsifying documents related to the investigation.
Iwamasa has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death, according to E! News.
According to the plea agreement, Iwamasa injected Perry with ketamine acquired through unofficial means on the morning of his death, followed by two additional doses throughout the day before leaving Perry unattended.
Upon returning, Iwamasa found Perry unresponsive in the hot tub, according to E! News.
In addition to Plasencia and Iwamasa, Jasveen Sangha, referred to by authorities as "The Ketamine Queen," has been charged with multiple offences related to ketamine distribution and possession.
Erik Fleming and Dr Mark Chavez, who are alleged to have supplied ketamine to Iwamasa and Plasencia respectively, have also pleaded guilty to charges.
Anne Milgram of the US Drug Enforcement Administration commented, "We allege each of the defendants played a key role in his death by falsely prescribing, selling, or injecting the ketamine that caused Matthew Perry's tragic death. Matthew Perry's journey began with unscrupulous doctors who abused their position of trust because they saw him as a payday, to street dealers who gave him ketamine in unmarked vials." The investigation continues as authorities seek to hold all responsible parties accountable for their roles in Perry's untimely demise.
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