Doctor’s ketamine prescription kills Presley Gerber – why?

Presley Gerber died at a rehabilitation facility on Sunday, . Those sources say he had been receiving ketamine prescriptions from his doctor, even though the doctor was aware of Gerber’s history of substance abuse.

The prescription was made shortly before Gerber’s death, but the official cause of death is still pending investigation.

The reports indicate that ketamine, while used experimentally for treating addiction, was not FDA‑approved for that purpose. Friends of Gerber say the drug had been a recurring problem for him and that his doctor was fully aware of his issues when prescribing it.

Many close associates are calling for the physician to face prosecution over the decision.

Investigators have not yet identified the substances present in Gerber’s system at the time of his death. In the final hours before he passed, witnesses observed him appearing under the influence while in the rehab center.

The identity of any other drugs involved remains under scrutiny, and police are interviewing fellow patients to locate potential sources.

## Background & Context

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has gained attention for its rapid antidepressant effects, though it is not officially sanctioned for treating drug addiction. Gerber had previously disclosed his struggles with ketamine to friends and had been exploring alternative therapies such as ibogaine in the months before his death.

Ibogaine, a psychoactive compound, is promoted by some groups as a means of disrupting addictive behaviors by altering neural pathways.

Gerber’s situation echoes that of actor Matthew Perry, who died in 2023 after an overdose while being treated with ketamine for depression and anxiety. Perry had obtained the drug from multiple sources, one of whom—known as the “Ketamine Queen,” Jasveen Sangha—was later sentenced to 15 years in prison for her role in his death.

The parallel between the two cases has intensified scrutiny of off‑label ketamine prescriptions for individuals with substance abuse histories.

## Investigation and Legal Implications

Police have begun a formal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Gerber’s overdose, focusing on whether the prescribed ketamine contributed to his death. Sources note that the doctor who treated Gerber is under investigation, and friends are urging legal action against the physician.

The autopsy report for Gerber has been completed, but definitive toxicology results have not yet been released.

Authorities are also examining other potential drug sources within the rehab facility, with interviews conducted among fellow patients to trace any illicit ketamine supply chains. Should evidence emerge that the doctor knowingly prescribed an unapproved substance to a known addict, criminal charges could be considered.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the medical staff’s liability will likely be determined once toxicology findings are finalized.

The case underscores the risks of off‑label medication use in vulnerable populations and raises questions about oversight in prescribing practices for substance‑dependent patients.