California Doctor and Associate to Face Trial Over Matthew Perry's Ketamine Overdose

A California doctor and a woman accused of illegally supplying ketamine to 'Friends' star Matthew Perry before his overdose death will face trial in March. Perry died from acute effects of ketamine, leading to loss of consciousness and drowning. The pair have pleaded not guilty.

A California doctor and a woman charged with illegally supplying the drug ketamine to 'Friends' star Matthew Perry before his overdose death will face trial in March, according to court documents released on Tuesday.

Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha, known to customers as the 'ketamine queen,' have pleaded not guilty to charges related to Perry's October 2023 death. An autopsy revealed Perry, aged 54, died from acute effects of ketamine, among other factors that led to his loss of consciousness and drowning in his hot tub.

Ketamine is a short-acting anesthetic with hallucinogenic properties, sometimes prescribed for depression and anxiety but also abused recreationally. Perry had a history of substance abuse, including during his years starring as Chandler Bing on the hit 1990s sitcom 'Friends.'

Plasencia and Sangha are scheduled for trial in federal court in Los Angeles on March 4. Three other defendants have agreed to plead guilty in connection with Perry's death.

(With inputs from agencies.)