Matthew Perry was one of the most beloved actors of his era, with millions of fans still enjoying his performances today. Later this month, many will mark the first anniversary of his tragic passing last year. On October 28, 2023, a lengthy investigation revealed that the Friends star was found dead in a hot tub at his home in Los Angeles. At that time, there was no immediate suspicion of foul play; however, on August 15 of this year, authorities arrested five individuals, three of whom have since entered plea agreements. Those arrested included medical professionals, Perry’s assistant, and Jasveen Sangha, a suspected drug dealer. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada stated that the defendants “knew what they were doing was improper” and “took advantage” of Perry’s well-documented struggles with addiction.
During the investigation, U.S. authorities frequently mentioned Sangha, nicknamed the “Ketamine Queen.” They suspect that the 41-year-old sold Perry the pills that led to his death, with allegations that she sold him 50 vials of dangerous ketamine for approximately $11,000 (£8,550). Estrada described Sangha’s Hollywood residence as a “drug-selling emporium,” asserting that she “only deals with high-end clients and celebrities.” NBC, which aired Friends, reported on the tragic circumstances surrounding Perry’s death nearly a year ago, stating, “He brought so much joy to hundreds of millions of people around the world with his incredible comedic timing and sharp wit. His legacy will endure for many decades.”
A poignant video recently surfaced, showcasing Perry’s wishes for how he wanted to be remembered as the world honored the actor. This conversation occurred during the promotional tour for his 2022 biography, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Biography, where Perry expressed his hope that people would recall him as someone who lived fully, loved deeply, and prioritized helping others. After the video resurfaced following his death, one admirer commented, “And we’ll ensure your memory remains that way.”
Another fan shared their grief on social media, saying, “I’m still not sure how to accept this news. Rest in peace, Matthew! You comforted people of all ages, blessed us with laughter, and stood by us through good times and bad. I hope you’ve found peace.” A different user simply tweeted “Bing,” while another expressed feeling “speechless” at the news. Perry’s Friends co-star and on-screen wife, Courteney Cox, recently told CBS Sunday Morning that she feels Perry still visits her. “If we believe in that, he visits me a lot,” she shared. “I truly believe there are many individuals who will say the same. I definitely felt Matthew’s presence.”