The last words of Friends star Matthew Perry were hauntingly spoken to his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who has now pleaded guilty in connection with the actor’s death from a ketamine overdose. “Shoot me up with a big one,” Perry reportedly said, according to a plea agreement with federal authorities.
Iwamasa, who lacked medical training, repeatedly administered ketamine injections to Perry, ultimately leading to the actor’s death on October 28, 2023. The 54-year-old was found face down in his jacuzzi, and an autopsy later confirmed that the cause of death was the “acute effects of ketamine.”
The Department of Justice announced that Iwamasa was one of five individuals arrested and charged in connection with Perry’s death. The final, fatal injection was the third one Iwamasa administered that day, according to his plea agreement. The DOJ alleged that those involved exploited Perry’s addiction for financial gain, ignoring the severe consequences of their actions.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada stated, “In the end, these defendants were more interested in profiting off Mr. Perry than caring for his well-being.” Others charged include Jasveen Sangha, dubbed “The Ketamine Queen,” Dr. Salvador Plasencia, Erik Fleming, and Dr. Mark Chavez. Fleming has also pleaded guilty, while Chavez is expected to do so. Sangha and Plasencia have yet to enter pleas.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please reach out to the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
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