April 8, 2026, 8:52 p.mApril 8, 2026, 8:52 p.m
A drug supplier has been sentenced to 15 years in prison in connection with the death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry. This was reported by the New York Times and the broadcaster CBS, citing a court decision in Los Angeles. The public prosecutor’s office had demanded 15 years in prison. The defense argued that the 42-year-old had been in custody since her arrest in August 2024 and had therefore spent enough time behind bars.
Matthew Perry died in October 2023.Image: keystone
Provided with ketamine
The woman known as the “Ketamine Queen” pleaded guilty to five charges last September. According to the public prosecutor’s office, among other things, she delivered the dose of the anesthetic ketamine that led to the actor’s death in October 2023.
In addition to the drug supplier, two doctors, an assistant and an acquaintance of the actor were also arrested after Perry’s death. One of the doctors received two and a half years in prison last December, while his colleague was sentenced to eight months of house arrest. The sentences for the other two defendants are still pending.
Death in the hot tub
Perry was found dead in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023 at the age of 54. The actor had previously spoken publicly about his battle with addiction. He had reportedly undergone ketamine therapy under medical supervision for depression and anxiety. He is also said to have obtained the drug on the black market.
Ketamine has been a proven anesthetic for decades. Likewise, people with treatment-resistant depression can be treated with ketamine under certain conditions. Some partygoers also use the drug as an illegal club drug. (hkl/sda/dpa)