More Than an Overdose? What We Now Know About Matthew Perry's Death

Matthew Perry, 2012. Photo courtesy of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Public domain.

Matthew Perry's sudden death shocked Hollywood, and months later, new details are emerging, revealing a tangled web of alleged medical misconduct and illegal drug distribution. Authorities say the "Friends" star, who was found unresponsive in his Los Angeles home on Oct. 28, 2023, had dangerously high levels of ketamine in his system. Now, five people — including two doctors, a Hollywood drug dealer, and Perry's own assistant — have reportedly been charged in connection with his death. As more information comes to light, questions remain: Who was responsible, and could this tragedy have been prevented?

New Details About Perry's Final Days

Authorities previously confirmed that Perry, 54, died on Oct. 28, 2023, from "acute effects of ketamine," as reported by US Weekly. But a new Peacock documentary claims he received 27 injections of the drug in just three days leading up to his death. According to U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada, one of Perry's doctors, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, allegedly administered some of the injections in parking lots, including one incident in which Plasencia saw Perry "freeze up" — after which, Perry was reportedly still given more ketamine later, according to PEOPLE.

In a plea deal, Perry's live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, admitted to injecting him with six to eight doses daily in the days leading up to his death. On the day of his death, Perry reportedly asked for another injection, saying, "Shoot me up with a big one," before heading to his hot tub, where he was later found unresponsive, as reported by PEOPLE.

Who's Facing Charges?

Five people have been federally charged in connection to Perry's death, including:

• Kenneth Iwamasa – Perry's assistant, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death.
• Dr. Salvador Plasencia – Allegedly injected Perry in public places. Charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, seven counts of distribution of ketamine, and two counts of altering and falsifying documents. Has pleaded not guilty.
• Dr. Mark Chavez – Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine.
• Erik Fleming – Another acquaintance of Perry's. Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution of ketamine resulting in death.
• Jasveen Sangha ("The Ketamine Queen") – Accused of supplying the drugs and charged with several offenses. Has pleaded not guilty.

Hollywood Reacts

The newly released Peacock documentary "Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy" sheds light on the circumstances surrounding the "Friends" star's final days. In the documentary, several stars have commented on Perry's passing and the ongoing investigation.

• Courteney Cox, Perry's longtime co-star and close friend, said she still feels his presence: "He visits me a lot ... I do sense Matthew's around for sure," she said, as reported by US Weekly.

• Lisa Kudrow, who has been vocal about her grief, recently shared in an interview that Perry left her a personal note inside a cookie jar he had given her to take home from the set of "Friends." "Matthew gave that to me at the end of our last episode," Kudrow recalled, as reported by Entertainment Weekly. "I recently found the note that he had in it for me. I hadn't opened it up or looked inside of it, but yeah, he did. He had a note in there and I forgot about it. Timing is everything."

The Legacy He Left Behind

Despite his personal battles, Perry was known for using his platform to help others. The Matthew Perry Foundation, launched after his death, continues to raise awareness about addiction and provide resources for those struggling.

Morgan Fairchild, who played Perry's onscreen mother on "Friends," says in the upcoming documentary, "Matthew's legacy is always going to be the relationship he and the cast represented to people all over the world. His legacy will be one of hope and joy and friendship and love," US Weekly reported.

As new details continue to emerge, "Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy" is set to offer an in-depth look at what led to his untimely death. But for fans and loved ones, the biggest takeaway remains the same — Perry wasn't just Chandler Bing. He was a man who fought hard, loved deeply, and will never be forgotten.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

References: Matthew Perry's Shocking Death Investigation Explored in New Peacock Documentary: 'There's Way More to This Story' (Exclusive) | Matthew Perry Allegedly Received 27 Shots of Ketamine Before His Untimely Death, New Documentary Claims | Matthew Perry's final days and death investigation examined in new special: Watch the trailer | Biggest Takeaways From Peacock's Matthew Perry Doc: 'Friends' Costar Speaks Out, Ketamine Case and More | Lisa Kudrow reflects on sweet note Matthew Perry left for her in a Friends cookie jar: 'Timing is everything'