Matthew Perry’s death continues to resonate with fans and raises important questions about addiction, treatment, and the responsibilities of those involved in the care of vulnerable individuals.
Here’s everything you need to know about the actor’s death. As investigations continue, more details may emerge, further illuminating the circumstances of his untimely passing.
Circumstances of His Passing
Perry was found unconscious in the hot tub of his home his Los Angeles home, leading to an initial assumption that drowning was the primary cause. However, the subsequent investigation revealed that ketamine, combined with his pre-existing coronary artery disease, played a significant role in his sudden cardiac arrest, which led to the drowning.
The autopsy revealed that while the level of ketamine in his blood was within the therapeutic range, its effects were amplified by his health conditions and the other substances in his system.
Cause of Death
Matthew Perry breathed his last on October 28, 2023, at 54 years old.The cause of death reported was accidental primarily due to the acute effects of ketamine—a drug he had been using as part of a treatment plan for depression and anxiety. The coroner’s report identified other contributing factors, including drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication prescribed for opioid addiction.
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it can help with pain and opioid dependency without causing the full euphoric effects associated with stronger opioids. However, its interaction with other substances, particularly in someone with a history of heart issues like Perry, proved to be lethal in this instance.
Ketamine Infusion Therapy
In the weeks leading up to his death, Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy, a treatment sometimes used for severe cases of depression and anxiety that are resistant to other forms of therapy. While ketamine can be effective in these scenarios, it is also a powerful anesthetic that affects the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
In Perry’s case, the ketamine overstimulated his cardiovascular system, contributing to the cardiac arrest that ultimately led to his death. This therapy was part of his ongoing struggle to manage the mental health challenges that had plagued him for years.
Multiple Arrests
By August 2024, authorities had arrested five individuals in connection with Perry’s death. These included his assistant and two doctors involved in his care. The arrests were part of an ongoing investigation into the circumstances leading to his overdose.
The individuals arrested were accused of illegally supplying Perry with controlled substances and failing to adequately monitor his health and substance use, thereby contributing to his untimely death.
The “Ketamine Queen”
Jasveen Sangha, also known as the “Ketamine Queen,” was one of the primary figures arrested in connection with Perry’s death. Sangha faced multiple charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
She allegedly supplied Perry with the ketamine that led to his fatal overdose. Sangha’s operations were part of a larger drug distribution network that targeted vulnerable individuals, including those struggling with addiction, like Perry.
Perry’s Assistant
Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s assistant, played a critical role in the events leading to Perry’s death. Iwamasa was charged with repeatedly injecting Perry with ketamine and has since pleaded guilty.
His involvement was part of a broader scheme to exploit Perry’s addiction for financial gain. Iwamasa’s actions have raised serious questions about the responsibilities and ethics of those closest to individuals struggling with addiction.
Doctor Involvement
Dr. Salvador Plascencia and Dr. Mark Chavez were also implicated in the investigation. Dr. Plascencia was accused of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, while Dr. Chavez has agreed to plead guilty to related charges.
These doctors were involved in Perry’s treatment but allegedly failed to properly manage the risks associated with the potent drugs they prescribed. Their actions have highlighted concerns about the oversight and ethical practices within the medical community when dealing with high-profile patients.
Attempted Cover-Up
After Perry’s death, some of the defendants allegedly attempted to cover up their involvement. Text messages obtained by investigators revealed that Sangha instructed others to delete their communications and records related to Perry. This attempted cover-up has only intensified the scrutiny of those involved and the extent of their culpability in the actor’s death.
Perry’s Struggles with Addiction
Matthew Perry had a well-documented history of addiction, which he openly discussed throughout his career. His struggles with alcohol and prescription drugs began during his time on Friends, where he reportedly consumed up to 55 Vicodin pills a day at the height of his addiction.
Perry underwent rehabilitation approximately 15 times and was a regular attendee at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, with around 6,000 meetings under his belt. His memoir named Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing was published in 2022. It delves deeply into his battle with addiction and the toll it took on his life and career.
Autopsy Findings
The autopsy report on Perry revealed that while the ketamine level in his system was beyond the therapeutic range, the combination of his existing heart condition and the drug’s effects proved fatal.
The autopsy also confirmed the presence of buprenorphine, which, when combined with ketamine, likely exacerbated the strain on his cardiovascular system, leading to cardiac arrest. This finding underscores the risks associated with polypharmacy, especially in individuals with underlying health issues.
Ongoing Investigation
Despite the arrests, the investigation into Perry’s death remains open. Authorities continue to explore the roles of those involved and whether they fully understood—or deliberately ignored—the risks of the treatments they were administering.
The case has sparked discussions about the ethics of administering controversial treatments and the responsibilities of healthcare providers in managing patients with complex medical histories
Legacy and Memorial
Matthew Perry was buried on November 3, 2023, in a private ceremony at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Los Angeles. Only his close family and friends, including his Friends co-stars. Perry’s death has reignited conversations about addiction, mental health, and the importance of responsible medical care.
While Matthew Perry’s career as an actor was marked by his iconic role as Chandler Bing, his true legacy extends beyond his performances. His candidness about his struggles with addiction has made a lasting impact, turning his challenges into a source of hope and inspiration for others facing similar battles.