Matthew Perry's death: Friends say recent arrests 'brought back feelings'
What's the story
The recent arrests in connection with the death of F.R.I.E.N.D.S actor Matthew Perry have reportedly "brought back a lot of feelings" for his close friends.
To recall, Perry was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi on October 29, 2023. He was 54. He died of "acute effects of ketamine."
Last week, the US Attorney's office charged five people in connection with his death.
The accused include two doctors, a woman known as the "Ketamine Queen," and Perry's long-time assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa.
Information
'Sad that he was surrounded by enablers...'
A source told PEOPLE, "Matthew did have true friends that loved and cared about him. They would've tried to help him if he'd reached out."
The source said the recent arrests have "brought back a lot of feelings," adding, "It makes them sad that he was surrounded by enablers."
Earlier, US Attorney Martin Estrada said, "These defendants cared more about profiting off of Perry," adding, "Drug dealers selling dangerous substances are gambling with other people's lives over greed."
Addiction
Perry developed an addiction to ketamine
Perry had developed an addiction to ketamine.
Jasveen Sangha—the drug dealer infamous as "The Ketamine Queen," and licensed doctors Salvador Plascencia and Mark Chavez are said to have orchestrated the plan.
Out of desperation, Perry turned to them, who saw an opportunity to exploit the situation.
In a text exchange between them, one doctor reportedly said, "I wonder how much this moron will pay."
Perry reportedly paid $2,000 for a vial of ketamine that cost the physicians about $12.
History
Perry had been open about his battles with addiction
Perry had been open about his battles with addiction and had recovered before he relapsed months prior to his death. He had 15 previous stints in rehab.
In September 2022, he told PEOPLE that he'd mostly been sober since 2001 "with about 60 or 70 little mishaps over the years."
He also detailed his substance abuse and longtime battle in his 2022 memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.
Perry would have turned 55 on Monday (August 19).