On October 28, 2023, Matthew Perry was found unresponsive in his hot tub. The beloved Friends star was 54 years old. The cause of death: acute effects of ketamine.
What seemed initially like a tragic accident has since become a criminal investigation that's exposing Hollywood's shadow network of celebrity drug suppliers—doctors, dealers, and enablers who profit from addiction while stars die.
The Day Matthew Perry Died
Matthew spent his final morning normally:
- He played pickleball with friends
- He had lunch at home
- His assistant left to run errands around 2 PM
- At 4 PM, the assistant returned to find Matthew unresponsive in the pool
First responders attempted resuscitation but failed. Matthew Perry was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Autopsy Findings
The Los Angeles Medical Examiner's report was devastating:
- Cause of death: Acute effects of ketamine
- Contributing factors: Drowning, coronary artery disease, buprenorphine effects
- Manner of death: Accident
The ketamine levels in Matthew's system were extremely high—comparable to amounts used for general anesthesia during surgery. How did he get that much?
Matthew's Legitimate Ketamine Treatment
Here's where it gets complicated: Matthew was receiving ketamine legally. He was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety—a legitimate and increasingly common treatment.
His last infusion was 10 days before his death. That's important because ketamine typically clears the body in hours, not days.
Which means: Matthew obtained additional ketamine outside his medical treatment. And that's what killed him.
The Criminal Investigation
In August 2024, federal prosecutors announced charges against multiple people in connection with Matthew's death:
The Doctors
- Dr. Salvador Plasencia ("Dr. P"): Charged with distributing ketamine and falsifying records
- Dr. Mark Chavez: Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine
The Suppliers
- Jasveen Sangha ("The Ketamine Queen"): Charged with distribution resulting in death
- Erik Fleming: Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine
Prosecutors allege these individuals sold Matthew at least 20 vials of ketamine in the weeks before his death—some at massively inflated prices.
"The Ketamine Queen"
Jasveen Sangha ran what prosecutors call a "drug-selling emporium" from her North Hollywood home. She allegedly supplied ketamine to multiple celebrities and wealthy clients.
Text messages show:
- She called her product "Dr. Sangha's special"
- She knew Matthew's name and discussed his tolerance
- She charged $11,000 for 25 vials (street value much lower)
- She continued selling after learning of his death
Sangha has pleaded not guilty and awaits trial.
The Doctors Who Enabled It
The most disturbing aspect of the case is the involvement of licensed physicians.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia allegedly:
- Discussed how much he could charge Perry ("I wonder how much this moron will pay")
- Provided ketamine without proper medical oversight
- Falsified records to cover his involvement
- Continued prescribing after warning signs
These weren't back-alley dealers—they were medical professionals exploiting a vulnerable addict.
Matthew's Lifelong Battle
To understand how Matthew ended up here, you need to understand his addiction history:
- He started drinking at 14
- Opioid addiction began after a jet ski accident in 1997
- He spent over $9 million on treatment
- He had been to rehab 15+ times
- His body was ravaged: a colostomy bag, partial organ removal, years of damage
Matthew was open about his struggles. His memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, detailed his decades-long fight. He wanted to help others by sharing his story.
The Paradox of Recovery
In the months before his death, Matthew seemed to be in a good place:
- He was sober from alcohol
- He was using ketamine therapeutically under medical supervision
- He was dating someone new
- He was helping other addicts
Friends say he was optimistic. He was even looking at properties in the Palisades to be closer to his recovery community.
But addiction is relentless. And the people who supplied him were too.
What the Case Reveals
Matthew Perry's death has exposed systemic problems:
Celebrity Drug Networks
- Wealthy addicts are targeted by unscrupulous suppliers
- Doctors violate their oaths for money
- Dealers market specifically to famous clients
- Privacy concerns prevent intervention
Ketamine's Gray Market
- Legal therapeutic use has created supply chains
- Diversion to recreational use is widespread
- Oversight is minimal
- Prices for celebrity clients are astronomical
Treatment Industry Failures
- Many treatment centers are profit-driven
- Follow-up care is inadequate
- Relapse is treated as moral failure
- Prevention isn't prioritized
The Legacy Matthew Wanted
Before his death, Matthew was clear about his legacy: he wanted to be remembered for helping people with addiction, not for Friends.
He established the Matthew Perry Foundation (posthumously renamed) to fund addiction treatment. He spoke at treatment centers. He responded to DMs from struggling fans.
His final Instagram post, weeks before his death, was about Batman. But his final message to the world was in his memoir: "When I die, I want it to matter that I tried to help other people."
The Ongoing Investigation
The criminal cases are still proceeding:
- Sangha faces up to life in prison
- The doctors face significant prison time
- More charges may be coming
- Civil lawsuits are expected
Matthew's family issued a statement: "We are heartbroken by the death of our beloved Matthew. We hope these convictions send a message that this type of conduct will not be tolerated."
Remembering Matthew Perry
Beyond the investigation, Matthew Perry was:
- Chandler Bing, who made millions laugh
- A generous friend who supported others' sobriety
- A talented writer whose memoir was beautiful
- A man who fought harder than most will ever know
His death at 54 was a tragedy. But the investigation that followed might save lives—by exposing the networks that prey on addicts and holding them accountable.
Matthew wanted to help people. Even in death, he is.
