A Los Angeles doctor suspected of being linked to the ketamine overdose death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry pleaded guilty Wednesday in a California court.
Mark Chavez, 54, admitted to illegally helping to supply ketamine to the actor, who played Chandler in the cult series. This professional, who was banned from practicing medicine, thus avoids a trial and risks up to 10 years of imprisonment, according to the federal prosecutor’s office.
His sentencing will take place on April 2, 2025. Doctor Chavez is only one of five suspects involved in the actor’s death, according to American justice.
The death of Matthew Perry, found unconscious in his jacuzzi in October 2023, shocked “Friends” fans and sparked a shower of tributes in Hollywood. The actor had spoken publicly about his addiction issues.
He was taking ketamine supervised as part of therapy sessions for depression. But this legal anesthetic is sometimes diverted for stimulating or euphoric purposes, and it fell back into addiction in the fall of 2023, according to the federal prosecutor’s office.
A relapse which pushed him into the clutches of doctors”unscrupulous“, according to the authorities.
Martin Estrada, federal prosecutor, said: “Following Mr. Perry’s death in October of last year, the police service, my office and our partners represented on this scene began a comprehensive and wide-ranging investigation. This investigation revealed the existence of a vast underground criminal network responsible for distributing large quantities of ketamine to Mr. Perry and others“.
Matthew Perry
Série Friends
