Matthew Perry and live-in assistant spent a massive amount on ketamine before actor’s fatal overdose
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Newly unsealed court documents and details from the medical examiner’s investigation reveal that in the 29 days leading up to his death on October 28, 2023, actor Matthew Perry, 54, and his live-in assistant Kenneth Iwamasa spent over $55,000 on ketamine, as reported by US Weekly.
The documents highlight that they acquired at least 55 vials of the drug, which is commonly used as an anesthetic but also has off-label uses for depression.
Matthew Perry and his assistant's $55,000 ketamine spending prior to his death detailed
According to the reports, Kenneth Iwamasa engaged in multiple illegal transactions to obtain the drug, frequently contacting suppliers and arranging purchases. The Department of Justice has detailed several instances where Iwamasa, along with Dr Salvador Plasencia, conducted transactions for ketamine.
Plasencia, who allegedly administered the drug to Perry on numerous occasions, reportedly received thousands in cash for the vials and administered multiple doses at Perry's home.
The documents reveal disturbing practices involving the administration of ketamine. On several occasions, Perry was injected with ketamine within hours of previous doses, leading to dangerously high blood pressure levels. In one instance, Perry was given double doses of ketamine, resulting in him being unable to speak or move.
On the day of his death, Iwamasa allegedly injected Perry with ketamine three times. Text messages reportedly showed Perry instructing Iwamasa to “shoot me up with a big one,” indicating his desire for a significant dose.
The court documents and investigation provide a detailed timeline of Perry's final days. In September, Perry and Iwamasa met with Dr Plasencia to receive ketamine, with Plasencia also arranging for additional vials through a contact in San Diego. The transactions continued through early October, with Iwamasa frequently texting Plasencia to obtain more of the drug.
The revelation of these details has intensified scrutiny surrounding Perry’s final days and the circumstances leading to his untimely death.
Matthew Perry’s death sparks legal scrutiny of personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa
The tragic death of actor Matthew Perry has led to intense legal scrutiny surrounding his personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa. Perry was found deceased in the hot tub of his Pacific Palisades home on October 28, 2023. The cause of death was attributed to acute effects of ketamine, drowning, and additional contributing factors.
This case has resulted in the indictment of five individuals, including Iwamasa, for their alleged involvement.
Federal prosecutors announced charges on August 15, against Iwamasa and four others: Jasveen Sangha, known as 'The Ketamine Queen', Dr Salvador Plascencia, Erik Fleming, and Dr Mark Chavez.
These individuals are accused of conspiring to distribute ketamine to Perry, a powerful anesthetic with hallucinogenic properties. The indictment alleges that their actions directly contributed to Perry’s untimely death.
Jasveen Sangha is accused of supplying the ketamine batch that led to Perry's fatal overdose. Dr Salvador Plascencia, who had been treating Perry, reportedly continued to provide the drug despite witnessing severe adverse reactions and recognizing Perry’s escalating addiction issues. US Attorney E Martin Estrada highlighted that Plascencia had left additional vials of ketamine with Iwamasa, further exacerbating the situation.
Erik Fleming, aged 54, has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution resulting in death.
