Matthew Perry death probe: Five people are accused of the death of ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry, one of whom is Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s personal aide. Iwamasa, who found Perry’s body and spoke with detectives first, gave him multiple injections of ketamine, which is why Perry overdosed and died in October.
Can you explain what ketamine is?
Despite not being licensed to treat pain, anxiety, or depression, ketamine is being used more frequently off-label for these ailments. High quantities of it are also used as a sedative.
How much can ketamine do?
Ketamine is sometimes utilized for its psychedelic properties, according to Medical News Today. Sedation, incapacitation, and short-term memory loss may result from it. Although ketamine is safe when taken under strict medical supervision, recreational use of the drug carries a risk of possibly fatal side effects.
Ketamine is a potent anesthetic medication, according to Dr. Himanshu Dewan, Clinical Director, Critical Care Medicine, Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad. It can also be used, though extremely carefully controlled, to treat severe depression. It is prescribed under a psychiatrist’s supervision. Ketamine can be abused and lead to addiction because it is a temporary intoxication.
Elon Musk supports the usage of ketamine
Billionaire Elon Musk acknowledged using prescription ketamine in an interview from March 2024, saying it is “beneficial for investors.” Musk said that the medication helps him control a “negative chemical state” that is comparable to depression in an interview with former CNN host Don Lemon.
Iwamasa received ketamine via Erik Fleming, who has admitted to obtaining the drug from Jasveen Sangha and providing it to Iwamasa, according to an AP report. Within four days after Perry’s passing, Fleming sent 50 vials of ketamine, of which 25 were included.
Iwamasa, who did not have medical expertise, acknowledged giving Perry several ketamine injections, including the day he passed away, according to the Department of Justice. According to the amended criminal complaint, Iwamasa,59, planned to get and distribute ketamine illegally with the help of Sangha, Fleming, and other people.
The aide to Matthew Perry administered 27 lethal ketamine injections: Report
During the last five days of Perry’s life, Iwamasa allegedly gave him 27 ketamine shots and spoke with his co-defendants in code. The fact that he lacked medical training and experience in delivering restricted medications was emphasized by the prosecution. Iwamasa may receive a sentence of fifteen years in jail.
(With agency inputs)