Keith Morrison's Statement on Perry Death Investigation

Keith Morrison, a longtime Dateline correspondent and stepfather of Matthew Perry, has spoken out following the arrest of five individuals connected to Perry's death from ketamine in 2023.

In a statement released to Entertainment Weekly, the Morrison family expressed their ongoing heartbreak over Perry's passing but noted their appreciation for the serious attention law enforcement has given to the case. They emphasized their hope for justice and were thankful for the diligent work of the agencies involved. They also expressed a desire that this case serves as a warning to those who supply dangerous drugs.

The statement follows a press conference by the Department of Justice revealing charges against five individuals allegedly linked to Perry's death: Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry's personal assistant; Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez, both doctors; Erik Fleming, an acquaintance of Perry; and Jasveen Sangha, known locally as "the Ketamine Queen," according to prosecutors.

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada accused these defendants of exploiting Perry's addiction for financial gain, prioritizing their profits over his well-being. Iwamasa has admitted guilt to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death, Chavez to conspiracy to distribute ketamine, and Fleming to both conspiracy and distribution of ketamine resulting in death.

Perry was discovered unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on October 28 and was pronounced dead at the scene at the age of 54. Initially, there was no suspicion of foul play. However, an autopsy later confirmed that ketamine, along with drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine (used for opioid treatment), contributed to his death. The autopsy also revealed that Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy, but the ketamine found in his system could not have come from these treatments.

Morrison, who married Perry’s mother Suzanne in 1981 when Perry was 12, had previously addressed Perry's death publicly in November. He used social media to promote donations to the Matthew Perry Foundation, urging support and noting that Perry would have been grateful.

In March, Morrison shared that Perry had expressed happiness before his death, a sentiment he had not conveyed in a long time. He lamented that Perry did not get to experience his "third act" in life.

Perry's colleagues continue to mourn his loss. Lisa Kudrow mentioned that she had started rewatching Friends to remember Perry, calling him "uniquely hilarious." Courteney Cox also shared her grief, describing Perry as "probably one of the funniest human beings in the world" and feeling his presence even after his passing.