Current:Home > ScamsMatthew Perry Couldn't Speak or Move Due to Ketamine Episode Days Before Death -Wealth Impact Academy
Matthew Perry Couldn't Speak or Move Due to Ketamine Episode Days Before Death
View
Date:2025-04-24 21:02:18
Authorities are releasing more details into Matthew Perry's final days after five people were charged in connection to his death.
The Friends alum was found dead in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home on Oct. 28, with his cause of death later determined to be "acute effects of ketamine" in drug and drowning-related accident.
However, it wasn’t the first time he experienced negative effects of the dissociative anesthetic. Perry had an "adverse medical reaction" to an at-home ketamine injection on Oct. 12, just 16 days before his death, prosecutors said in unsealed Department of Justice documents reviewed by E! News Aug. 16.
Prosecutors alleged defendant Dr. Salvador Plasencia injected the 54-year-old with "a large dose" of the controlled substance at request of the Perry's live-in assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, who has also been charged in the case, after the actor had already undergone ketamine infusion therapy from a doctor's office.
The DOJ said the at-home ketamine caused a "significant spike" to Perry's systolic blood pressure, making him "freeze up" so much that he "could not speak or move."
Prosecutors alleged that Plasencia told Iwamasa "something to the effect of: 'let’s not do that again'" following Perry's reaction to the additional dosage, though the assistant continued to purchase ketamine for at-home use in the following days.
Iwamasa has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death, per authorities.
Meanwhile, Plasencia is facing one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, seven counts of distribution of ketamine and two counts of altering and falsifying documents or records related to the federal investigation. He has not publicly entered a plea.
In Iwamasa's plea agreement obtained by E! News Aug. 16, prosecutors alleged the 59-year-old injected Perry with ketamine obtained through unofficial channels around 8:30 a.m. on the day of his death. They accused Iwamasa of giving Perry two more doses in the span of six hours, before leaving him to run errands.
Iwamasa returned home to find Perry face down in the hot tub, per the filing.
In connection to Perry's death, Jasveen Sangha—a North Hollywood woman who authorities call “The Ketamine Queen"—has also been charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute ketamine and five counts of distribution of ketamine.
Per the DOJ, Erik Fleming—an individual who authorities allege sold ketamine to Iwamasa—and Dr. Mark Chavez—a San Diego-based physician who allegedly sold the drug to Plasencia—have both pleaded guilty to charges relating to Perry's death.
"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," Anne Milgram of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said in an Aug. 15 statement. “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."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (257)
Related
- Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
- Garrison Brown's older brother Hunter breaks silence on death, Meri discusses grief
- Real Housewives OG Luann de Lesseps Says She Can’t Live Without This Delicious Beauty Item
- Former correctional officer at women’s prison in California sentenced for sexually abusing inmates
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- Kristen Stewart Shares She and Fiancée Dylan Meyer Have Frozen Their Eggs
- MLB owners unanimously approve sale of Baltimore Orioles to a group headed by David Rubenstein
- 'Home Improvement' star Zachery Ty Bryan charged after arrest with felony DUI, hit and run
- Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
- West Virginia animal shelter pleads for help fostering dogs after truck crashes into building
Ranking
- US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
- Michael Jackson’s Kids Prince, Paris and Bigi “Blanket” Make Rare Joint Red Carpet Appearance
- Ex-Diddy associate alleges arrested Brendan Paul was mogul's drug 'mule,' Yung Miami was sex worker
- NFL's rush to implement new kickoff rules is Roger Goodell's latest winning power play
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- Chiefs Cheer Team Pays Tribute to Former Captain Krystal Anderson After Her Death
- 34 Container Store Items That Will Organize Your Kitchen
- Florida bed and breakfast for sale has spring swimming with manatees: See photos
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
Selling Sunset's Chelsea Lazkani Files for Divorce From Husband After Nearly 7 Years of Marriage
Schools in the path of April’s total solar eclipse prepare for a natural teaching moment
Real Housewives OG Luann de Lesseps Says She Can’t Live Without This Delicious Beauty Item
Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
Beyoncé 'Cowboy Carter' tracklist hints at Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson collaborations
A solution to the retirement crisis? Americans should work for more years, BlackRock CEO says
Central American and Mexican families mourn the Baltimore bridge collapse missing workers