In a shocking and heartbreaking revelation, new court documents have shed light on the tragic final hours of beloved “Friends” star Matthew Perry. The actor, who captured the hearts of millions with his portrayal of Chandler Bing, was allegedly caught in a deadly spiral of substance abuse that led to his untimely death last October at the age of 54.
According to recently unsealed court papers, Perry’s long-time assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, along with four others, has been charged in connection with the actor’s tragic death. The timeline of Perry’s final hours paints a grim picture of Hollywood’s underbelly, where fame and fortune are often overshadowed by addiction and despair.
On the morning of October 28th, Perry, who had been battling depression and undergoing ketamine therapy, reportedly requested the first of several doses of the powerful anesthetic from Iwamasa. The assistant, who had worked for Perry since 1994, administered the injection at around 8:30 a.m., as detailed in his plea agreement.
As the day progressed, Perry’s requests for more ketamine became more frequent and desperate. At approximately 12:30 p.m., Iwamasa gave Perry a second dose while the actor was watching a movie in his luxurious Pacific Palisades home. Just 40 minutes later, Perry allegedly asked for yet another shot, urging Iwamasa to “shoot me up with a big one” before instructing him to prepare the hot tub.
It was this third dose, administered in rapid succession, that proved fatal. After injecting Perry, Iwamasa left to run errands, only to return and find the actor lifeless, face down in the hot tub. The court documents reveal that Perry had received at least 27 shots of ketamine in the five days leading up to his death, a grim testament to the depth of his struggle.
The charges against Iwamasa and the others involved paint a disturbing picture of the role played by those entrusted with Perry’s care. Iwamasa, despite having no medical training, was injecting Perry under the guidance of two doctors, Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez. These doctors allegedly supplied Perry with around 20 vials of ketamine in exchange for $55,000 in cash, turning a blind eye to the dangers of such reckless administration.
Adding to the horror, authorities believe that the final, fatal dose of ketamine was provided by Jasveen Sangha, dubbed the “Ketamine Queen of Los Angeles,” who is now charged with conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death. Alongside her, Plasencia also faces similar charges, while Iwamasa, Chavez, and an alleged street dealer named Erik Fleming have accepted plea deals for their roles in Perry’s demise.
This tragic tale is a stark reminder of the dark side of Hollywood, where the pressures of fame can drive even the most beloved stars into the clutches of addiction. Matthew Perry’s death is not just a loss to his fans and family but a sobering reflection on the dangers lurking behind the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. As the legal proceedings continue, the full extent of this heartbreaking saga will undoubtedly continue to unfold, serving as a cautionary tale for all.
