Salvador Plasencia, a 44-year-old doctor from Los Angeles, has admitted to illegally supplying ketamine to actor Matthew Perry in the weeks leading up to Perry’s overdose death in 2023. Plasencia pleaded guilty to several counts of distributing the drug and has been sentenced to prison, The Guardian reported.
Perry, who was best known for his role in «Friends,» died at 54 in his house due to a ketamine overdose. Although he had been getting the medicine legally to treat his depression, it was well known that Perry was addicted to alcohol and painkillers and sought more ketamine after his regular doctor refused to raise his dose.
Court records showed that Plasencia knew about Perry’s addiction but still sold him the drug illegally. Furthermore, a medical examiner later found that ketamine was the main cause of Perry’s death. The judge said that even though Plasencia did not give Perry the fatal dose, his actions played a part in Perry’s continued drug use.
Family members were present at the sentencing and shared emotional statements. In response, Plasencia addressed the court, apologizing to the family and expressing regret.
