LA doctor Salvador Plasencia who gave Matthew Perry ketamine sentenced to prison, over 2 years after actor's death

LA doctor Salvador Plasencia has been sentenced to prison for illegally providing ketamine to the late Friends actor Matthew Perry, more than two years after Perry’s untimely death. The case, which highlighted the actor’s long-standing struggles, drew widespread media attention and renewed discussions about drug abuse and related issues. Plasencia’s conviction marks a significant development in the investigation, emphasizing accountability in the illegal distribution of controlled substances.



Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 44, has pleaded guilty to illegally providing ketamine to Matthew Perry in the month leading up to the Friends actor’s overdose death in 2023. Perry, 54, had battled addiction for years, dating back to his time as the beloved Chandler Bing.

According to The Guardian, Perry had been legally prescribed ketamine, a surgical anesthetic, to treat depression. When his regular doctor refused to provide the drug in the amounts he sought, he turned to Plasencia, who admitted to knowingly supplying ketamine to a struggling addict. Court filings revealed that Plasencia texted another doctor, calling Perry a “moron” who could be exploited for money.



The report also stataes, at sentencing, the judge clarified that Plasencia did not supply the ketamine that caused Perry’s death but stated, “You and others helped Mr. Perry on the road to such an ending by continuing to feed his ketamine addiction,” adding, “You exploited Mr. Perry’s addiction for your own profit.”

Plasencia’s attorneys attempted to portray him sympathetically, emphasizing his rise from poverty to become a respected doctor, supported by patient testimonials. They described his actions as “reckless” and “the biggest mistake of his life.”

Perry’s mother and two half-sisters attended the hearing and delivered emotional victim impact statements. “The world mourns my brother,” said Madeleine Morrison. “He was everyone’s favorite friend.”



Matthew Perry, widely known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on Friends, was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death accidental, citing the acute effects of ketamine as the primary cause. Contributing factors included drowning, pre-existing coronary artery disease, and the presence of buprenorphine in his system. Perry had a longstanding history of addiction and had been legally using ketamine to treat depression and anxiety, but toxicology reports indicated that the levels in his system exceeded those prescribed for therapeutic use.