Matthew Perry overdosed on ketamine

Matthew Perry, the beloved "Friends" actor, was reportedly battling a severe ketamine addiction at the time of his death on October 28, 2023. Despite previous claims of sobriety, law enforcement revealed that Perry was injecting the drug six to eight times daily. Federal prosecutors have charged five individuals, including his personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa and Dr. Salvador Plasencia, with conspiracy to distribute ketamine, alleging they exploited Perry's addiction for profit. Plasencia, an urgent care physician, allegedly provided Perry with excessive doses of ketamine, even after witnessing adverse reactions. Court documents indicate that Perry had spent approximately $55,000 on ketamine in the months leading up to his death. On the day he died, Iwamasa administered multiple doses of the drug, which contributed to Perry's drowning in his hot tub. An autopsy confirmed that the acute effects of ketamine were the primary cause of death, with buprenorphine also playing a role. Prosecutors claim the defendants prioritized financial gain over Perry's well-being, drawing parallels to the tragic circumstances surrounding other celebrity overdoses. In the weeks before his death, Perry had expressed interest in ketamine therapy as a potential business venture, highlighting his struggle with addiction. The investigation revealed that the accused had engaged in discussions about profiting from Perry's dependency, with text messages indicating a willingness to exploit his situation. As the case unfolds, authorities emphasize the need for accountability among those who enable substance abuse.