In a tragic series of events leading up to his untimely death, beloved Friends actor Matthew Perry and his assistant Kenny Iwamasa reportedly spent a staggering $55,000 (NZ$90,000) on ketamine in the 29 days before the actor passed away. Perry, who was just 54 years old at the time of his death in October 2023, succumbed to an overdose of the drug, which he had been using extensively in the weeks leading up to his tragic demise.
Court documents that have surfaced as part of a criminal case against Iwamasa reveal the alarming extent of the actor's ketamine use. According to these documents, Perry and his live-in helper spent thousands of dollars purchasing 55 ketamine vials and injections during this period. The revelations come as a shock to fans and the entertainment industry alike, painting a grim picture of Perry's final days.
According to Us Weekly, the court documents indicate that Perry and Iwamasa met with a doctor in a parking lot to obtain the drug. The injections reportedly took place in the back of a car, highlighting the clandestine and desperate measures taken to secure the ketamine. Iwamasa, who is now facing serious legal consequences, allegedly handed over large sums of cash to obtain the vials. The court documents detail that he spent US$6,000 (NZ$9,800) on 25 vials just nine days after he had already purchased 25 bottles, further underscoring the intensity of Perry's drug use in his final month.
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Iwamasa, a 59-year-old resident of Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. This charge carries a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years, reflecting the gravity of the situation. The court documents further reveal that Iwamasa injected Perry with the drug three times on the day of his death. This tragic event culminated in Perry's drowning in a hot tub at his US$6 million (NZ$9.8 million) Pacific Palisades mansion. The autopsy report cited the "acute effects" of ketamine as a significant factor contributing to his death.
The repercussions of Perry's death have extended beyond Iwamasa. Four other individuals, including two doctors, have also been arrested and charged in connection with the case. These charges are part of a broader investigation into the supply of drugs that ultimately led to Perry's death. The involvement of medical professionals in this case has raised serious concerns about the ethical responsibilities of those in positions of trust and the consequences of their actions.
Perry's stepfather, Dateline presenter Keith Morrison, has publicly expressed his gratitude to law enforcement for taking the case seriously. In a statement issued to Entertainment Weekly Morrison said, "We were and still are heartbroken by Matthew's death, but it has helped to know law enforcement has taken his case very seriously." He continued, "We look forward to justice taking its course and we're grateful for the exceptional work of the multiple agencies whose agents investigated Matthew's death. We're hoping unscrupulous suppliers of dangerous drugs will get the message."
The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) has also weighed in on the case, with Administrator Anne Milgram condemning the actions of those involved in supplying Perry with the lethal drugs. Milgram stated, "Matthew Perry's journey began with unscrupulous doctors who abused their position of trust because they saw him as a payday, to street dealers who gave him ketamine in unmarked vials." She emphasized the agency's commitment to holding accountable those responsible for distributing deadly and dangerous drugs. "Every day, the DEA works tirelessly with our federal, state, and local partners to protect the public and to hold accountable those that distribute deadly and dangerous drugs—whether they are local drug traffickers or doctors who violate their sworn oath to care for patients," Milgram added.
Perry's death, which has sent shockwaves across the globe, is a somber reminder of the dangers associated with drug misuse and the tragic consequences it can have. As the legal proceedings against Iwamasa and others involved in this case continue, the hope is that justice will be served and that this tragic loss will not be in vain. Perry's legacy as a talented actor and beloved public figure is now overshadowed by the tragic circumstances of his death, but his story also serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of substance abuse and the responsibilities of those who provide and administer drugs.
The court documents related to this case provide a detailed and harrowing account of Perry's final days, illustrating the devastating impact of his addiction. The revelations have prompted widespread discussions about the role of enablers in such situations and the importance of accountability in the healthcare industry. As the case unfolds, it will be crucial to see how the justice system addresses the actions of those involved and what measures will be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Matthew Perry's death is a heartbreaking loss for his fans, friends, and family. As more details emerge, the world is left to grapple with the reality of his struggles and the unfortunate end to a life that brought joy to so many. Perry's legacy, though marred by this tragic event, will hopefully serve as a reminder of the need for compassion, understanding, and vigilance in the fight against addiction.
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