The investigation into the untimely death of Matthew Perry, beloved by millions for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on “Friends,” has taken a dark and shocking turn.

What initially appeared to be a tragic accident has now revealed a deeper and more disturbing story.

The Department of Justice recently announced charges against five individuals connected to Perry’s death, with one of the accused being someone incredibly close to the actor—his longtime assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa.

Matthew Perry’s death in October 2023 sent shockwaves through the entertainment world and beyond.

Initial reports, as published by TMZ, indicated that Perry had drowned in his hot tub, a tragic and seemingly accidental end for a man who had long battled demons both publicly and privately.

The haunting detail of his final Instagram post, where he was pictured relaxing in a hot tub, only added to the sorrow of his passing.

It was an unnamed assistant who first discovered Perry’s lifeless body and called for help, and early reports suggested that a cardiac event had claimed his life.

Despite this initial assumption, no drugs were found at Perry’s home, leading many to believe that he had finally overcome his struggles with addiction.

However, as the investigation progressed, the truth of Perry’s death became more complex and far more tragic. The cause of death was eventually revealed as “the acute effects of ketamine,” a powerful anesthetic with hallucinogenic properties, often abused for its dissociative effects.

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— matthew perry (@MatthewPerry) November 19, 2021

The Department of Justice’s press release further shed light on the circumstances leading to Perry’s death, revealing a web of deceit and betrayal.

Kenneth Iwamasa, a man who had been a constant presence in Perry’s life for 25 years, confessed to administering several injections of ketamine to Perry on the day of his death. This shocking revelation led to Iwamasa pleading guilty to “one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.”

The other defendants in the case include two medical professionals, whose involvement only exacerbates the tragedy.

The DoJ condemned these individuals for valuing Perry’s wealth over his well-being, highlighting the ethical decay that allowed such a deadly situation to unfold.

But perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this case is the involvement of Iwamasa, a man who had not only been Perry’s employee but also his confidant and friend. Over the years, Iwamasa had been by Perry’s side through some of his darkest moments.

He witnessed the actor’s hospitalization for pancreatitis, a condition brought on by Perry’s excessive alcohol consumption.

He watched as Perry struggled with addiction, enduring multiple stints in rehab, including one as recent as 2011. Given this history, Iwamasa’s willing participation in an illegal scheme to supply Perry with ketamine is a heartbreaking betrayal of trust.

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— matthew perry (@MatthewPerry) May 24, 2021

According to reports, Iwamasa and Perry were extremely close, even living together for a year before Perry’s death.

They shared a rental property in Beverly Hills while Perry’s house was being renovated, and Iwamasa accompanied Perry on his final overseas trip to the French Riviera in September 2023.

The pair, along with Perry’s longtime friends Christopher and Brian Murray, enjoyed what seemed to be a joyful vacation, filled with helicopter rides and luxurious yacht outings.

This seemingly idyllic trip was one of Perry’s last happy memories, a stark contrast to the tragedy that would soon follow.

The details surrounding Perry’s death are made all the more tragic by the role Iwamasa played in his final moments.

It is believed that Iwamasa was the unidentified assistant who found Perry dead in his hot tub. According to TMZ, Iwamasa had left the premises for about two hours, presumably after injecting Perry with ketamine.

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— matthew perry (@MatthewPerry) November 26, 2012

The errand that Perry had sent him on may have inadvertently sealed his fate. Had Iwamasa been present, it’s possible that he could have called for help in time to save Perry’s life.

This case is a sobering reminder of the dangers of addiction and the importance of surrounding oneself with people who genuinely care about one’s well-being. F

or Matthew Perry, who had fought so hard to overcome his struggles, the involvement of someone so close to him in his untimely death is an unspeakable tragedy.

The charges against Kenneth Iwamasa and the other defendants bring a sense of justice to this heartbreaking story, but they cannot undo the pain of losing a man who brought so much joy to so many.

As the legal proceedings continue, fans of Matthew Perry are left to grapple with the reality of his final days.

The revelation of Iwamasa’s role in Perry’s death has undoubtedly tainted the memories of a beloved actor who, despite his personal battles, will always be remembered for his humor, warmth, and the iconic character he brought to life on screen.

If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).