Gina Heslop
On the morning of August 15, 2024, five people were arrested in connection with the death of actor Matthew Perry, famous for his role as Chandler Bing in the popular TV show “Friends.” Among those arrested was Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a licensed medical doctor, who allegedly sent a text message about Perry before his death that shocked many of the actor’s fans. This text message, made up of just eight words, left people heartbroken and outraged.
The arrests were part of a larger narcotics investigation into the circumstances surrounding Perry’s death. The US Department of Justice held a press conference on the same day, revealing that the investigation had uncovered a “broad underground criminal network” that played a role in Perry’s death. This network involved several individuals who had taken advantage of Perry by supplying him with ketamine, a powerful drug that ultimately led to his tragic passing.
The people arrested included not only Dr. Plasencia but also Jasveen Sangha, who was known as “The Ketamine Queen.” Sangha was accused of selling Perry the dose of ketamine that ended his life. Another suspect, Dr. Mark Chavez, a former operator of a ketamine clinic, was accused of helping to obtain the drug. Erik Fleming, who was described as a “broker” and an acquaintance of Perry’s, had already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine, which resulted in Perry’s death.
Kenny Iwamasa, Perry’s assistant, was also among those arrested. Iwamasa had lived with Perry in a Beverly Hills rental apartment before the actor’s death, while Perry’s home in Pacific Palisades was being renovated. Iwamasa had managed Perry’s affairs for over 25 years and was believed to have been the one who discovered Perry’s body in his hot tub on October 28, 2023.
As the investigation progressed, it was revealed that Iwamasa may have been involved in administering the ketamine to Perry, even though he lacked any medical training. The group used code words like “cans,” “bots,” and “Dr. Pepper” to refer to the ketamine in their communications, trying to cover up their illegal activities.
The most disturbing part of the investigation was the eight-word text message that Dr. Plasencia sent to Dr. Chavez while they were discussing selling ketamine to Perry. The text read, “I wonder how much this moron will pay.”
This cold and heartless message deeply upset Perry’s fans, who expressed their sadness and anger on social media. One person wrote, “So the people who he thought and trusted were his ‘friends’ were not his ‘friends’ at all, so so sad.” Another commented, “What a sad story of a man that had so much to live for.”
Adding to the tragedy, it was revealed that just 16 days before Perry’s death, Dr. Plasencia had injected Perry with ketamine, causing a frightening reaction where Perry “froze up” and his blood pressure spiked. Despite this dangerous incident, the group continued their dealings, ultimately leading to Perry’s untimely death.
The investigation showed that the people closest to Perry, who he trusted, were involved in activities that put his life in danger. The heartbreaking details of how these individuals betrayed Perry have left a lasting impact on his fans and the public, who continue to mourn the loss of the beloved actor.
