The death of Matthew Perry, the actor renowned for portraying the character of Chandler Bing on “F.R.I.E.N.D.S” sent shockwaves through the global community. News of his passing, which emerged in late October 2023, was met with widespread grief and disbelief. Fans, colleagues, and celebrities alike mourned Perry’s loss, who was laid to rest on November 3, 2023. His struggles with addiction and his impact continue to resonate deeply.
We have researched various online articles to curate a list of things you need to know about his death.
Discovery
Matthew Perry breathed his last on October 28, 2023, at 54. His death was confirmed by Capt. Scot Williams of the L.A.P.D.’s robbery-homicide division. Sources reported that Perry was found unresponsive in his Los Angeles home’s hot tub. He had long struggled with substance abuse and spent much of his life in treatment.
No Foul Play Suspected
Even though the Los Angeles Police Department (L.A.P.D.) initially launched an investigation to confirm the absence of foul play, they found no such evidence upon completion. They later confirmed that their investigation into Matthew Perry’s death was complete, with the case marked as “closed” by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner.
Official Cause of Death
Matthew Perry’s death was attributed to the “acute effects of ketamine,” as revealed by the Los Angeles County medical examiner over a month after his passing. Ketamine can impair coordination and cause disorientation, effects that may increase the risk of drowning if combined with water exposure.
Although coronary artery disease, drowning, and buprenorphine were contributing factors, Perry’s death was ultimately ruled accidental.
Ruling Out Alcohol
Although Matthew Perry had a well-known history of alcohol abuse, his toxicology report showed no alcohol in his system at the time of death, ruling out its involvement in the tragic incident. The report has focused attention on other potential factors contributing to his untimely passing, including his ongoing struggles with prescription medication. This development has intensified the investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Multiple Arrests
Later, in 2024, a joint investigation was launched by the L.A.P.D. and the Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.) into how Matthew Perry obtained prescription medication and the high levels of ketamine found in his system. The probe uncovered a vast underground network distributing ketamine.
Five arrests, including Perry’s assistant, have been made and charged in connection with the case. Kenneth Iwamasa admitted guilt on August 7 to conspiring to distribute ketamine, causing death. Eric Fleming, who supplied Iwamasa with the drug, pleaded guilty on August 8 to ketamine-related charges. Dr. Mark Chavez will also plead guilty to ketamine distribution conspiracy.
Perry’s Assistant
Court documents reveal that Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s personal assistant, administered at least 27 ketamine injections over five days, including three on the day of his death. The indictment also detailed that the defendants used coded terms like ‘Dr Pepper,’ ‘cans,’ and ‘bots’ to refer to ketamine in their drug transactions. Additionally, one doctor texted another with disparaging remarks about the pricing for Perry’s ketamine, wondering how much ‘this moron’ would pay.
Ketamine Queen’s Involvement
On August 15, 2024, authorities arrested Jasveen Sangha, a 41-year-old alleged drug dealer dubbed “The Ketamine Queen” of North Hollywood, in connection with Matthew Perry’s death. She is one of five individuals charged with involvement in Perry’s ketamine overdose.
An indictment alleges that Jasveen Sangha’s ketamine distribution on October 24, 2023, led to Perry’s death. Facing nine charges, including distribution and conspiracy, Sangha pleaded not guilty and was denied bail. Her next hearing is on October 15.
Fake Prescriptions
In September and October 2023, Dr. Plasencia, aka ‘Dr. P’ conspired with Dr. Chavez, receiving ketamine from him, who provided it using fraudulent prescriptions and deceitful practices. He distributed ketamine to Perry and Iwamasa outside professional norms and without legitimate medical reasons on at least seven occasions. He taught Iwamasa to administer the drug, injected Perry himself, and failed to monitor the actor properly.
Cover-up Efforts
Following Perry’s death, the investigation took a dramatic turn as evidence emerged suggesting that some defendants might have attempted to conceal their involvement. Investigators uncovered a series of text messages that appeared to show one of the individuals, identified as Sangha, actively instructing others to delete communications and records related to Perry. This discovery significantly intensified the investigation as authorities began scrutinizing the actions and potential complicity of those involved in the cover-up.
History of Substance Abuse
In his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir,” released in November 2022, Matthew Perry detailed how he struggled with severe Vicodin addiction during the peak of his fame, taking up to 55 pills daily and weighing only 128 pounds.
He also recounted his days of alcohol and opioid abuse, which impaired his memory of filming seasons 3 to 6 of ‘F.R.I.E.N.D.S.’ He sought rehab 15 times and invested $9 million in his recovery, beginning with Hazelden Betty Ford. In 2013, he transformed his former Malibu home into a sober living facility to support others.
Previous Health Issues
Matthew Perry’s life was riddled with health challenges due to his history of substance abuse. In 2000, he suffered from pancreatitis due to alcohol and opioid misuse. His health continued to decline, leading to multiple hospitalizations and surgeries.
In 2018, after his colon burst due to OxyContin misuse, he fell into a two-month coma. Coming back from a 2% chance of survival led to Perry changing his lifestyle and pursuing sobriety again.
The Matthew Perry Legacy
Matthew Perry, a celebrated actor with an inspirational story, left a lasting legacy in entertainment. Known for classics like Numb, The Whole Nine Yards, and The Ron Clark Story, Perry believed that Fools Rush In, which he co-starred with Salma Hayek, was the best work of his life. Beyond his acting career, he was known for his candid discussions on addiction and mental health, using his experiences to help others. His philanthropic efforts, including founding the Perry House for addiction recovery, reflect his commitment to making a difference.
