Matthew Perry’s tragic final hours unfolded in his backyard jacuzzi overlooking the Santa Monica Mountains, where he uttered his last request: “Shoot me up with a big one.” This “big one” was a potent dose of ketamine, a powerful anaesthetic and hallucinogen that has gained popularity for treating depression and anxiety. It was Perry’s third injection of the day.

Hours later, the beloved “Friends” actor was discovered face down in the jacuzzi, with medics pronouncing him dead at the scene. The coroner later confirmed that ketamine was the primary cause of his death.

Court documents, released after an extensive police investigation, revealed the details of Perry’s final day on October 28, 2023, and led to charges against five individuals in connection with his death. The documents also shed light on Perry’s long battle with drug addiction and expose a wider Hollywood ketamine drug network.

Experts and doctors said that the growing popularity of ketamine has fueled an expanding market, with the rise of ketamine clinics, online services offering easy access to prescriptions, and a burgeoning illegal drug trade. Dr. David Mahjoubi, president of the American Board of Ketamine Physicians, noted how easily the drug can be obtained, whether through legal prescriptions or underground channels. “It’s super easy to get,” Dr. Mahjoubi said. “I have celebrities that are getting a prescription from me. It’s super easy, not hard at all.”