Mark Chavez, 54, admitted to illegally helping to supply ketamine to the actor, who played Chandler in the cult series. He faces up to 10 years in prison.
Los Angeles doctor suspected of connection to ketamine overdose death of series star Matthew Perry Friendspleaded guilty this Wednesday, October 2 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.
Ketamine trafficking, corrupt doctors: what is behind the death of Matthew Perry?
“Unscrupulous” doctors
The death of Matthew Perry, found unconscious in his jacuzzi in October 2023, shocked fans of Friends 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 “unscrupulous” doctors, according to the authorities.
