Matthew Perry’s final hours and the events leading to his death on October 28, 2023, have been revealed through the plea agreements of individuals involved in his tragic demise. The actor’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, a powerful anesthetic, resulting in Perry’s death.
On the morning of October 28, Iwamasa injected Perry with ketamine around 8:30 a.m. By 12:45 p.m., Perry requested another dose while watching a movie. Approximately 40 minutes later, Perry allegedly asked for a third injection, telling Iwamasa, “Shoot me up with a big one. Iwamasa complied, administering the dose while Perry was in or near a Jacuzzi. Afterward, Iwamasa left to run errands, only to return and find Perry unresponsive and face down in the Jacuzzi, dead.
Perry had been introduced to Dr. Salvador Plasencia in September 2023 by Iwamasa, who began supplying ketamine to the actor. Plasencia, a key figure in the ketamine distribution network, obtained the drug from Dr. Mark Chavez, a former ketamine clinic operator. Chavez allegedly used a false prescription under a former patient’s name to secure the ketamine, which was then provided to Plasencia. In text messages, Plasencia expressed disdain for Perry, referring to him as a “moron” while discussing payment for the drug.
From September 30 until Perry’s death, Iwamasa paid Plasencia $55,000 for liquid ketamine and lozenges. Perry experienced several adverse reactions to the drug during this period. On October 12, after receiving a ketamine infusion from a medical doctor, Plasencia administered a large dose to Perry, which caused his systolic blood pressure to spike and temporarily paralyzed him, making it difficult for him to speak or move. Despite this dangerous incident, Plasencia left additional vials of ketamine for Iwamasa to administer.
As Perry’s addiction escalated, Iwamasa sought additional ketamine sources. He contacted Erik Fleming, who worked with Jasveen Sangha, also known as the “Ketamine Queen. Sangha ran a stash house in North Hollywood, California, where she stored and distributed controlled substances, including methamphetamine and ketamine. Fleming delivered 50 vials of ketamine to Perry’s home between October 14 and October 24, during which time Iwamasa injected Perry six to eight times a day.
On October 28, Perry died from what was initially reported as an apparent drowning. His autopsy, completed the following day, revealed the cause of death as the “acute effects of ketamine,” with contributing factors including coronary artery disease and buprenorphine use.
Five individuals, including Iwamasa, Plasencia, and Sangha, have been charged in relation to Perry’s death. Iwamasa pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death, while Plasencia and Sangha face multiple charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and ketamine. Fleming also pleaded guilty to distributing the ketamine that led to Perry’s death, and Chavez admitted to diverting ketamine from his former clinic to supply Plasencia.
Perry’s death highlights the dangers of drug abuse and the illicit distribution of controlled substances, which ultimately led to the tragic loss of the beloved actor.
How Doctors and a ‘Ketamine Queen’ Exploited Matthew Perry, Leading to His Tragic Death
In October 2023, beloved “Friends” star Matthew Perry died from a drug overdose, with ketamine being the primary cause of death. Prosecutors have since uncovered how a network of individuals, including doctors and a North Hollywood woman known as the “Ketamine Queen,” exploited Perry’s vulnerability and played a direct role in his demise. Five people had been charged in reference to the actor’s death.
A Vulnerable Addict Exploited
Matthew Perry had long struggled with addiction, which he openly detailed in his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. Perry’s addiction initially began after a 1997 jet ski accident, which led to a prescription for Vicodin. Over the years, he battled prescription drug abuse, and in the months leading up to his death, Perry reportedly relapsed, specifically turning to ketamine.
Despite his efforts to stay clean, Perry was allegedly taken advantage of by people who cared more about profit than his well-being. Among them was his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who played a critical role in obtaining and administering ketamine to Perry in the final weeks of his life. Iwamasa, despite having no medical training, gave Perry numerous ketamine injections in the days before his death.
The Doctors’ Role in Supplying Ketamine
Two doctors, Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez, were instrumental in supplying Perry with ketamine. Prosecutors revealed that in September 2023, Perry expressed interest in purchasing the drug. Plasencia, seeing an opportunity to profit from Perry’s addiction, obtained the ketamine from Chavez. In a text message from that period, Plasencia wrote, “I wonder how much this moron will pay?”
Over the next several weeks, Plasencia taught Iwamasa how to inject Perry with ketamine. On one occasion, Plasencia administered a large dose of the drug to Perry, which caused an adverse reaction. Perry’s systolic blood pressure spiked, and he became paralyzed, unable to speak or move. Despite this serious medical incident, Plasencia continued supplying the drug.
The ‘Ketamine Queen’ and More Dangerous Deals
In mid-October, Eric Fleming, another person close to Perry, began sourcing ketamine from Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen.” Sangha ran what prosecutors described as a “drug-selling emporium” from her North Hollywood home. Fleming and Sangha provided Perry with approximately 20 vials of ketamine between September and October 2023, costing the actor around $55,000.
Perry’s assistant, Iwamasa, injected him with ketamine six to eight times a day in the days leading up to his death. On October 28, 2023, Perry requested multiple doses of ketamine, asking Iwamasa to “shoot me up with a big one” before entering his jacuzzi. Later that day, Iwamasa found Perry unresponsive, floating face down in the jacuzzi. His death was later confirmed to be caused by “acute effects of ketamine,” with drowning as a secondary cause.
Legal Repercussions and Charges
Following Perry’s death, the network of individuals involved in his ketamine supply has faced serious legal consequences. Fleming pleaded responsible to dispensing the ketamine that brought about Perry’s death. Sangha, the “Ketamine Queen,” faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and ketamine.
Plasencia, one of the doctors, pleaded not guilty but faces numerous charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Chavez, the other doctor, agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute the drug. Perry’s assistant, Iwamasa, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.
Seeking Justice
Perry’s family, including his stepfather Keith Morrison, expressed heartbreak but relief that law enforcement is taking the case seriously. They hope that the prosecution of these individuals sends a strong message about the dangers of exploiting vulnerable individuals with dangerous drugs.
Matthew Perry’s death serves as a tragic reminder of the perils of addiction and the ruthlessness of those willing to exploit it for profit.
Matthew Perry, the beloved Friends star, tragically passed away on October 28, 2023. New court documents reveal his final words to his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, in the hours before his death. Perry asked Iwamasa to “shoot me up with a big one,” referring to a dose of ketamine, a powerful anesthetic often misused for its mind-altering effects. He also instructed his assistant to prepare his jacuzzi. Perry was later found unresponsive, face down in the hot tub.
Authorities have since charged five individuals in connection with Perry’s death, including Iwamasa, two doctors—Dr. Mark Chavez and Dr. Salvador Plasencia—and a woman known as the “Ketamine Queen,” Jasveen Sangha. According to U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada, these individuals were part of an underground criminal network that supplied Perry with ketamine, exploiting his addiction for profit.
Iwamasa, along with Chavez and another associate, Eric Fleming, has agreed to plead guilty to charges related to their involvement in Perry’s ketamine use. Plasencia and Sangha have pleaded not guilty. Estrada emphasized that these individuals took advantage of Perry’s struggles with addiction, contributing to his untimely death.
Perry had been open about his long battle with substance abuse, which he had documented in his 2022 memoir. His passing, particularly under such tragic circumstances, shocked and saddened fans worldwide.