Matthew Perry’s Family Issues Statement After 5 Arrested For His Death
on Aug 16, 2024
Matthew Perry’s family has issued a statement nearly 10 months after his death, as heartbreaking details of the “Friends” star’s last days have come to light.
Matthew Perry, the actor best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the NBC sitcom “Friends,” died in October of “acute affects of ketamine.” He was 54.
An investigation was launched that led to five people being charged for contributing to Perry’s death. On Thursday, August 15, the Department of Justice revealed details of the investigation and the names of those facing charges.
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A press release shows that two doctors, the actor’s assistant, and two alleged dealers were responsible for Perry’s fatal overdose. Charges include conspiracy to distribute ketamine, distribution of ketamine, and altering and falsifying documents or records relating to a federal investigation.
“These defendants cared more about profiting off of Mr. Perry than caring for his well-being,” United States Attorney Martin Estrada said. “Drug dealers selling dangerous substances are gambling with other people’s lives over greed.”
“Today we announce charges brought against the five individuals who, together, are responsible for the death of Matthew Perry,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “We allege each of the defendants played a key role in his death by falsely prescribing, selling, or injecting the ketamine that caused Matthew Perry’s tragic death. Matthew Perry’s journey began with unscrupulous doctors who abused their position of trust because they saw him as a payday, to street dealers who gave him ketamine in unmarked vials.”
Text message and emails between the defendants show them conspiring to take advantage of Perry’s addition to the drug, saying: “I wonder how much this moron will pay” and “Lets [sic] find out.”
Read the full report about the investigation here.
The actor’s family responded to the charges with a statement.
Keith Morrison, “Dateline” correspondent and Matthew Perry’s stepfather, spoke out on behalf of the family after news of the arrests and charges was made public.
“We were and still are heartbroken by Matthew’s death, but it has helped to know law enforcement has taken his case very seriously. We look forward to justice taking its course,” TMZ reported.
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Matthew Perry’s “Friends” co-stars have remained silent following the release of the investigation report, but they did issue a joint statement following his death in October.
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew,” they said. “We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.”
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Their statement continued:
In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
About Matthew Perry’s Death
Matthew Perry was found deceased after an apparent drowning. He was found by his assistant, Kenny Iwamasa, who is among those facing charges in his death. Authorities responded to a call to the home for a cardiac arrest and found Perry unresponsive in a jacuzzi at a home in the Los Angeles area, law enforcement officials reported at the time. No drugs were found at the scene and no foul play is suspected.
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A Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson told PEOPLE that officers responded to a call stating that a man in his 50s was deceased at Perry’s address, but declined to confirm his identity at that time.
Learn more about the five individuals facing charges in connection with Matthew Perry’s death in the video below.
