Five People Prosecuted in Connection with the Death of Matthew Perry, Star of 'Friends'

The U.S. Attorney's Office announced on Thursday, August 25, that five individuals are being prosecuted in connection with the death of Matthew Perry, the actor known for the television series 'Friends'. Among those involved are Perry's assistant and two doctors, who, according to the prosecution, played a role in the death of the renowned American-Canadian artist. Based on investigations conducted over the past year, a case has been formed including criminal charges against these five individuals. Martin Estrada from the U.S. Attorney's Office stated that these defendants were part of a 'broad underground criminal network' that provided large quantities of 'ketamine' and other prescription drugs to Matthew Perry and others. Estrada said in a press conference in Los Angeles, California, that these individuals exploited Perry's addiction to these drugs for profit and wealth accumulation. He added that two of the defendants, including one of the doctors, have been arrested. According to the prosecution, two defendants, including Perry's assistant, have confessed to their guilt, and a third is also willing to confess. Martin Estrada from the U.S. Attorney's Office noted that an autopsy revealed that the 54-year-old Matthew Perry died in October 2023 due to 'acute effects' of ketamine, a powerful sedative, along with other factors including loss of consciousness and drowning in a bathtub. The Los Angeles police and federal agents have been investigating Perry's death and how he accessed medications that are only available by prescription. Toxicology tests during the autopsy indicated that Perry's body contained dangerously high levels of ketamine, which can lead to short-term unconsciousness and hallucinations. Officials stated that such levels of ketamine are used for patients in hospital operating rooms, where they are monitored by specialists during anesthesia. Water in the lungs due to drowning in the bathtub, vascular disease, and the effects of the addictive drug 'buprenorphine' were other contributing factors to Perry's death observed in the autopsy. Matthew Perry had publicly acknowledged several decades of substance abuse and alcohol addiction, including during the years he played the role of 'Chandler Bing' in the television comedy series 'Friends', which brought him global fame. However, according to those close to Matthew Perry, he was sober in the months leading up to his death and showed no signs of chronic addiction. They stated that the actor used ketamine to treat his depression and anxiety, which is prescribed by doctors in some cases. Given the level of ketamine found in Matthew Perry's body, it appears that doctors provided him access to this drug without proper attention to his condition and necessary evaluations. Investigations indicate that these defendants knowingly provided ketamine to Perry, considering his addiction, in exchange for hefty sums, and after his death, they attempted to destroy evidence of their involvement. This report utilizes information from Reuters and the Associated Press. Matthew Perry, the actor from the American series 'Friends', passed away at the age of 54. The special program of the American series 'Friends' received widespread acclaim.