The tragic death of Matthew Perry in 2023 shocked the world. Now, disturbing new details from a federal investigation and documentary reveal how trusted figures around him fueled his struggle — exposing chilling texts, greed, and betrayal.

Perry died at the age of 54 in October 2023, a loss that devastated fans worldwide. His cause of death was officially ruled accidental, linked to the effects of ketamine. Additional contributing factors included drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, according to the medical examiner’s report.

Five Charged in Connection to Perry’s Death

In the aftermath, five people have been charged over their involvement in supplying Perry with drugs — among them Dr. Salvador Plasencia.

Plasencia admitted guilt to four counts of distributing ketamine, believed to have played a key role in the actor’s untimely death. Others implicated include Dr. Mark Chavez, Perry’s assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, intermediary Eric Fleming, and alleged dealer Jasveen Sangha, all of whom have agreed to plead guilty to certain charges.

The Chilling Evidence

Revelations about Plasencia’s involvement surfaced in court filings and a new Peacock and ITV documentary, *Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy*.

According to investigators, Plasencia sold Perry 20 vials of ketamine for $55,000. In one particularly damning text message to Chavez, he wrote: “I wonder how much this moron will pay.”

Martin Estrada, former U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, explained in the documentary:

“Dr. Plasencia was very clear in text messages and other communications that he saw this as a chance to make a lot of money in a short period of time. The indictment shows he sold 20 vials of ketamine in one month to Mr. Perry.”

Encrypted Chats and Law Enforcement Breakthroughs

Former LAPD officer Greg Kading, also featured in the documentary, revealed that Plasencia and Chavez used an encrypted messaging app to communicate about the drug deals.

“People often assume encrypted apps make them untouchable,” Kading said. “But law enforcement can and does gain access. Within the indictment, there’s a whole network of criminal activity.”

He added: “There was such a degree of disdain for Mr. Perry — and these were medical doctors.”

A Legacy Overshadowed

Matthew Perry, best remembered as Chandler Bing on *Friends*, had long been candid about his struggles with addiction and his determination to recover. That his death may have been fueled by those entrusted with his care adds another painful layer to his story.

The documentary underscores how greed and negligence can destroy lives — and how Perry, even in death, remains a stark reminder of the dangers of exploitation in the shadows of Hollywood.