New twist in Matthew Perry’s overdose: What a doctor’s guilty plea reveals
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The tragic loss of Matthew Perry—known around the world as Chandler Bing from Friends—continues to stir emotions nearly a year after his passing.
Now, new developments in the case are casting a spotlight on the role medical professionals may have played in the events leading up to his death.
At the center of the controversy is a California doctor who has now admitted to providing Perry with powerful drugs before the fatal overdose.
But this story goes beyond Hollywood.
For many families, it’s a stark reminder of how quickly prescription misuse and unethical medical decisions can lead to devastating consequences.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a 43-year-old physician from California, appeared in a Los Angeles federal court this week to plead guilty to distributing ketamine to Matthew Perry.
He is now the fourth out of five individuals charged in connection with Perry’s overdose to accept responsibility.
Rather than go to trial, Plasencia agreed to a plea deal that will cost him his medical license and potentially end his career.
In a statement, his attorney said Plasencia was “profoundly remorseful” and fully accepted responsibility.
“He acknowledges his failure to protect Mr. Perry, a patient who was especially vulnerable due to addiction,” the attorney added.
Matthew Perry was found unresponsive in his hot tub on October 28, 2023.
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, his death was ruled accidental, with the primary cause listed as the “acute effects of ketamine.”
Additional factors included drowning and underlying coronary artery disease.
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that, in high doses or when used improperly, can cause respiratory and cardiovascular complications.
Court documents show that in the month leading up to Perry’s death, Dr. Plasencia provided the actor with 20 vials of ketamine totaling 100 mg, along with syringes and lozenges.
He even brought in another physician, Dr. Mark Chavez, to help facilitate the scheme.
According to Chavez’s plea deal, Plasencia referred to Perry in a text as a “moron” and discussed how much he could charge him.
After earning $4,500 from the drug sale, he reportedly asked if they could become Perry’s regular ketamine providers.
Although Plasencia didn’t supply the final dose, prosecutors stated that his actions contributed significantly to the actor’s overdose.
Five individuals have been charged in total: Dr. Plasencia, Dr. Chavez, Perry’s personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, a supplier named Erik Fleming, and a woman identified as Jasveen Sangha—allegedly known in certain circles as the “Ketamine Queen.”
So far, four of the five have pleaded guilty. Sangha maintains her innocence and is awaiting trial.
While the headlines focus on a celebrity tragedy, the underlying issue affects countless Americans.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 100,000 people in the US die from drug overdoses each year, many involving prescription drugs.
Older adults are particularly vulnerable.
Aging bodies metabolize medications differently, and multiple prescriptions can raise the risk of dangerous interactions or accidental overdoses.
While most healthcare providers act responsibly, cases like this show that even trusted professionals can make poor decisions.
Originally developed as an anesthetic for surgery, ketamine is also used today in some clinical settings to treat depression and chronic pain.
However, it's also misused as a recreational drug because of its hallucinogenic effects.
In large amounts, ketamine can cause disorientation, memory loss, slowed breathing, and even death.
When used legally, it should be closely supervised by trained medical professionals in a controlled setting.
The Perry case is a chilling reminder of what can happen when those safeguards are ignored.
While Perry’s story is heartbreaking, it also offers an important opportunity for all of us to reflect on how we manage medications and choose healthcare providers.
Here are a few tips to help protect yourself and your loved ones:
Matthew Perry’s death is more than a tragedy—it’s a call to be proactive.
Whether you're managing your own health or supporting someone else, staying informed and cautious can make all the difference.
When it comes to prescription drugs, knowing the risks and asking the right questions may be the most powerful form of protection.
Read next: Neurologists urge: Quit this harmful habit for better brain health
Have you or a loved one experienced medication concerns or struggled with how to speak up with a provider? We’d welcome your stories and tips. Let’s keep the conversation going and help each other stay safe.
Now, new developments in the case are casting a spotlight on the role medical professionals may have played in the events leading up to his death.
At the center of the controversy is a California doctor who has now admitted to providing Perry with powerful drugs before the fatal overdose.
But this story goes beyond Hollywood.
For many families, it’s a stark reminder of how quickly prescription misuse and unethical medical decisions can lead to devastating consequences.
Matthew Perry’s death has sparked a nationwide conversation about prescription safety and the responsibilities of medical professionals. Image Source: YouTube / ABC7.
Doctor admits to supplying ketamine to Perry
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a 43-year-old physician from California, appeared in a Los Angeles federal court this week to plead guilty to distributing ketamine to Matthew Perry.
He is now the fourth out of five individuals charged in connection with Perry’s overdose to accept responsibility.
Rather than go to trial, Plasencia agreed to a plea deal that will cost him his medical license and potentially end his career.
In a statement, his attorney said Plasencia was “profoundly remorseful” and fully accepted responsibility.
“He acknowledges his failure to protect Mr. Perry, a patient who was especially vulnerable due to addiction,” the attorney added.
Also read: Amanda Peet opens up about her nerve-wracking Seinfeld guest spot—and why it didn’t go as expected
What happened the day Perry died?
Matthew Perry was found unresponsive in his hot tub on October 28, 2023.
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, his death was ruled accidental, with the primary cause listed as the “acute effects of ketamine.”
Additional factors included drowning and underlying coronary artery disease.
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that, in high doses or when used improperly, can cause respiratory and cardiovascular complications.
Also read: FDA gives the green light for revolutionary painkiller that changes everything and curbs addiction risk
The details behind the drug supply
Court documents show that in the month leading up to Perry’s death, Dr. Plasencia provided the actor with 20 vials of ketamine totaling 100 mg, along with syringes and lozenges.
He even brought in another physician, Dr. Mark Chavez, to help facilitate the scheme.
According to Chavez’s plea deal, Plasencia referred to Perry in a text as a “moron” and discussed how much he could charge him.
After earning $4,500 from the drug sale, he reportedly asked if they could become Perry’s regular ketamine providers.
Although Plasencia didn’t supply the final dose, prosecutors stated that his actions contributed significantly to the actor’s overdose.
Also read: What you need to know about "gas station heroin"—the illegal drug hiding in plain sight
The wider circle of people charged
Five individuals have been charged in total: Dr. Plasencia, Dr. Chavez, Perry’s personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, a supplier named Erik Fleming, and a woman identified as Jasveen Sangha—allegedly known in certain circles as the “Ketamine Queen.”
So far, four of the five have pleaded guilty. Sangha maintains her innocence and is awaiting trial.
Also read: Are you taking these two common medications? Here’s why they could be deadly when combined!
Prescription drug misuse is a national concern
While the headlines focus on a celebrity tragedy, the underlying issue affects countless Americans.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 100,000 people in the US die from drug overdoses each year, many involving prescription drugs.
Older adults are particularly vulnerable.
Aging bodies metabolize medications differently, and multiple prescriptions can raise the risk of dangerous interactions or accidental overdoses.
While most healthcare providers act responsibly, cases like this show that even trusted professionals can make poor decisions.
A courtroom sketch shows Dr. Salvador Plasencia during his appearance in federal court, where he pleaded guilty to drug distribution charges. Image Source: YouTube / CBS News.
Also read: Jill Biden “shut down” discussion of Joe’s mental decline, turning into one of the most influential first ladies, claims new book
What is ketamine—and why is it risky?
Originally developed as an anesthetic for surgery, ketamine is also used today in some clinical settings to treat depression and chronic pain.
However, it's also misused as a recreational drug because of its hallucinogenic effects.
In large amounts, ketamine can cause disorientation, memory loss, slowed breathing, and even death.
When used legally, it should be closely supervised by trained medical professionals in a controlled setting.
The Perry case is a chilling reminder of what can happen when those safeguards are ignored.
Also read: Gone too soon: Remember "Hee Haw" star Lulu Roman? Here’s the heartbreaking news shaking fans everywhere
What you can do to stay safe
While Perry’s story is heartbreaking, it also offers an important opportunity for all of us to reflect on how we manage medications and choose healthcare providers.
Here are a few tips to help protect yourself and your loved ones:
- Know your medications: Keep an up-to-date list of your prescriptions, dosages, and their purpose. Share it with every medical provider you see.
- Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask why a drug is being prescribed, what the potential side effects are, and if there are safer alternatives.
- Be alert to red flags: If a doctor offers powerful medications without a clear reason—or seems more focused on payment than your health—consider getting a second opinion.
- Store and dispose properly: Lock up medications and safely dispose of unused ones to prevent misuse.
- Seek help if needed: If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers free, confidential help at 1-800-662-HELP.
Matthew Perry’s death is more than a tragedy—it’s a call to be proactive.
Whether you're managing your own health or supporting someone else, staying informed and cautious can make all the difference.
When it comes to prescription drugs, knowing the risks and asking the right questions may be the most powerful form of protection.
Read next: Neurologists urge: Quit this harmful habit for better brain health
Have you or a loved one experienced medication concerns or struggled with how to speak up with a provider? We’d welcome your stories and tips. Let’s keep the conversation going and help each other stay safe.
