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Matthew Perry’s Death Investigation: A Complete Timeline
The shocking death of Friends actor Matthew Perry in October 2023 stunned fans and reignited crucial conversations around prescription drug misuse and celebrity vulnerability. What began as a tragic accident rapidly unfolded into a complex investigation that ultimately resulted in federal charges for several individuals—including two doctors and Perry’s former personal assistant—for their roles in the procurement and administration of ketamine, the drug linked to Perry’s untimely demise.
From Tragedy to Federal Charges: How the Investigation Unfolded
On October 28, 2023, Matthew Perry was discovered unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home and later pronounced dead. Initial autopsy findings declared his passing an accident tied primarily to the acute effects of ketamine—a powerful anesthetic sometimes used for treating depression, but with significant risks, particularly outside controlled clinical settings. Drowning and coronary artery disease were named as contributing factors in Perry’s death.
Yet, perplexities soon emerged. Though Perry had been receiving supervised ketamine infusions as treatment for depression and anxiety, toxicology revealed an inconsistency: his last clinical infusion had occurred over a week earlier, but significant amounts of the drug were still present in his system. This discrepancy prompted the Los Angeles Police Department to launch an in-depth investigation into how Perry acquired the ketamine that proved fatal.
A Web of Supply—Who Provided the Ketamine?
Federal court documents and detailed reports revealed a troubling sequence of events and transactions in the weeks leading up to Perry’s death. Investigators named five people in connection with the illegal distribution of ketamine to Perry: Dr. Salvador Plasencia, his colleague Dr. Mark Chavez, drug dealer Jasveen Sangha (nicknamed “The Ketamine Queen”), Perry’s former personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, and acquaintance Erik Fleming.
Throughout late September and October 2023, the group allegedly plotted and executed a clandestine supply chain to furnish Perry with multiple vials of ketamine. Evidence showed:
- Dr. Plasencia contacted Chavez for bulk quantities of the drug, suggesting profit motives with messages like, “I wonder how much this moron will pay.”
- Plasencia, a licensed physician, handed vials, syringes, and injection instructions to Iwamasa, who then administered the drug to Perry without any formal medical training.
- Fleming connected with Sangha, who operated a so-called “stash house,” to source large batches of ketamine that he and Iwamasa delivered to Perry’s home.
Court records document that, on multiple occasions—including the days immediately preceding Perry’s death—Iwamasa injected the actor with “multiple doses of ketamine” obtained from these illicit sources. On the day Perry died, Iwamasa reportedly administered three separate injections, the last while Perry was sitting beside his backyard jacuzzi.
The Immediate Aftermath and Legal Reckoning
Within days of Perry’s death, involved parties began discussing deleting digital evidence and distancing themselves from the transactions. Yet, official scrutiny mounted, culminating in December 2023 with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s confirmation that acute ketamine toxicity caused Perry’s accidental death.
The formal investigation accelerated throughout early 2024, peaking in August as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California unsealed indictments and announced the arrests of Plasencia and Sangha. Fleming and Iwamasa entered guilty pleas and admitted to furnishing and administering drugs resulting in death. Dr. Chavez, too, agreed to plead guilty and cooperate with authorities, expressing remorse and surrendering his medical license.
United States Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized the gravity of the conspiracy: “These defendants cared more about profiting off of Mr. Perry than caring for his well-being. Drug dealers selling dangerous substances are gambling with other people’s lives for greed. This case…sends a clear message that we will hold drug-dealers accountable for the deaths they cause.”
Where the Case Stands Now
As of June 16, 2025, Dr. Salvador Plasencia reached a plea deal with the Department of Justice and faces a potential sentence of up to 40 years behind bars. Part of the settlement includes the possibility of a reduced sentence, dependent on judicial discretion and cooperation. Chavez and Iwamasa are scheduled for sentencing in the fall.
These proceedings have been widely covered by major news outlets, and the Department of Justice’s press releases provide further background on the ongoing legal actions.
The Larger Conversation
Matthew Perry’s death, and the revelations that followed, laid bare an undercurrent of risk even among those who seek medical help with the best of intentions. It has spotlighted the dangers of unsupervised ketamine use, prescription drug diversion, and the potential perils facing those with histories of substance abuse—especially in the limelight.
For continuous updates and details on the investigation, readers are encouraged to visit the official Department of Justice announcement, deeper analysis from Deadline, and comprehensive coverage from Associated Press.
Outgoing links within context:
- Matthew Perry profile and background
- DOJ press release on the indictments
- Associated Press coverage on Dr. Chavez’s plea deal
- Deadline’s report on plea agreements
- Ketamine’s risks and legitimate uses
Matthew Perry’s tragic end serves as a sobering reminder: accountability and responsible medical oversight are critical, both for public safety and to honor the memory of those lost too soon.
