Days Before Matthew Perry's Death, Ketamine Shot Caused Him to 'Freeze Up' So He Couldn't Talk or Move: Feds

Mar. 15, 2025

Matthew Perry.Photo:Mike Pont/WireImage

Mike Pont/WireImage

In the days leading up to his death in October 2023,Matthew Perrywas allegedly being administered high doses of ketamine up to six to eight times a day — including on one occasion when he froze and couldn’t move, per prosecutors.

TheFriendsstardied last Oct. 28at 54 from the“acute effects" of ketaminein his Los Angeles, Calif., home, authorities previously said.

On Thursday, Aug. 15, the United States Attorney’s Office in Californiaarrested five people, includingPerry’s assistant, in connection with his death.

Jasveen Sangha — who authorities allege was known as the “The Ketamine Queen” — Dr. Salvador Plasencia, Perry’s assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, Erik Fleming and Dr. Mark Chavez were arrested on several drug-related and conspiracy charges, per the DOJ.

Iwamasa, Fleming and Chavez have pleaded guilty to their respective charges, per authorities.

In Iwamasa’s plea agreement, authorities allege that Plasencia allegedly gave Perry “a large dose of ketamine” on Oct. 12, causing an “adverse medical reaction.”

“In the end, these defendants were more interested in profiting off Mr. Perry than caring for his well being,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said when announcing the charges on Thursday.

The defendants were allegedly aware that they were administering the ketamine in ways that were not “proper” and that theirdoses were negatively affecting Perry’s well-being, Estrada claimed.

According to Iwamasa’s plea agreement, after Perry experienced the adverse reaction on Oct. 12, Plasencia allegedly messaged Iwamasa something along the lines of, “Let’s not do that again.”

Matthew Perry.Dave Benett/Getty

Dave Benett/Getty

But according to Sangha’s indictment, despite knowing about Perry’s reaction, Plasencia allegedly left “additional vials of ketamine” with Iwamasa that day.

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Iwamasa has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. Chavez will plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, while Fleming pleaded to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death, the DOJ announced.

Sangha is facing aslew of charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute ketamine and five counts of distribution of ketamine, per the DOJ.

Plasencia is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. It wasn’t clear if Sangha or Plasencia have entered pleas.

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

source: people.com