Autopsy: The Last Hours Of... - Episode Guide

Michael Jackson, "The King of Pop" was the biggest selling recording artist of all time, but when he suddenly died at just 50 years old, he left $400 million in debts, and more questions than answers.

Whitney Houston was a singer, actress, icon and diva with a once in a generation voice that propelled her into the pop stratosphere, but no amount of talent could protect her from the demons that dragged her to her death in a Hollywood hotel bathroom at the age of just 48. 

Anna Nicole Smith was the embodiment of the American dream. Her breast implant-fuelled journey from small town stripper to Playboy pin up, Guess Jeans supermodel and Hollywood movie star captured the public imagination, but it was her marriage to a billionaire 67 years her senior that brought her global notoriety and started her on a downward path that led to her death in a Florida hotel room at the age of just 39. 

Sex god and global rock star Michael Hutchence was the man who girls clamoured for and who men wanted to be. On Friday 21st November 1997, he was on the crest of a wave - about to hit the road with his supergroup INXS to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their smash hit album Kick - when he was found dead with a belt round his neck in room 254 of the Ritz Carlton in Sydney.

A look at what led to the death of half of the musical, brother and sister act The Carpenters. Everyone believed the musical star had it all, however in 1983, after a history of eating problems she suddenly collapsed and died.

Following the tragic story of the death of actress Brittany Murphy.

Forensic pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd picks through the facts surrounding Elvis Presley's demise at his home in Graceland, using testimony from the singer's childhood best friend, his cousin and his private nurse, as well as the medical facts.

Armed with the autopsy report, forensic pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd goes back over the last few days of Robin's life.

Documentary series. Forensic pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd re-examines the death of Nicole Brown Simpson.

River Phoenix was one of the most popular and exciting Hollywood stars of the 1990s. He was young, fit, healthy and supposedly clean-living, so why did he suddenly die in the early hours of 21 October 1993 at the tragically early age of 23? With forensic pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd.

On August 5th 1962, Marilyn Monroe was found dead in the bedroom of her Los Angeles home. Forensic pathologist Dr. Richard Shepherd uses the autopsy report to re-examines her death.

On July 23rd 2011, aged just 27, Amy Winehouse was found dead at her home in Camden, north London. How and why did she suddenly drink herself to death?

Heath Ledger was Hollywood's rising star. Richly talented with rugged good looks his first Oscar nomination came in mid twenties for his role as a sexually repressed ranch hand in Brokeback Mountain. Two years later Ledger's versatility saw him deliver one of the big screen's most unforgettable performances as Batman's psychopathic nemesis The Joker. But at 3.36pm on 22 January 2008 Ledger was pronounced dead in the bedroom of his New York apartment. He was just 28 years old. His body was taken for autopsy. But the results were inconclusive and the intensely private actor's sudden, unexplained death sparked speculation and rumour. Heath Ledger appeared to be in the prime of his life, a hugely talented actor with a glittering future ahead of him. The medical examiner concluded he died from an overdose but was it a tragic accident or had the actor taken his own life? Using the evidence of his post-mortem exam, together with the testimony of friends and colleagues, Dr Jason Payne James investigates the final hours of Heath Ledger.

Dr. Jason Payne-James examines the last days of Joan Rivers, the much respected, larger-than-life personality, in an effort to establish why she died.

Throughout his adult life, Best fought a battle with alcoholism. Was it the drink that killed him?

Natalie Wood was Hollywood's hottest actress for her generation. She married screen legend Robert Wagner not once but twice. They were the Hollywood dream couple and enjoyed a spectacular lifestyle. But on November 29th, 1981, during what was supposed to be a relaxed weekend sailing trip, 43 year old Natalie was found dead. The cause of death was officially certified as ‘accidental drowning' but why Natalie Wood left the yacht and drowned has never been answered: was it accident, suicide or something more sinister? Now medical examiner Dr. Michael Hunter is taking a fresh look at one of Hollywood's most enduring mysteries.

An in-depth look into the circumstances surrounding the death of actor Philip Seymour-Hoffman, including his final hours and drug use.

Phil Hartman was a comedy legend. HIs satirical impressions on Saturday Night Live ruffled the feather of America's most powerful. On The Simpsons, his voice gave life to 18 iconic characters. He was one of America's favorite comic actors. But in May 1998 Phil Hartman's family home was stormed by armed police who found him shot to death in his bedroom. The horror escalates when police confirm Phil's wife Brynn is by his side – also shot dead. Using information revealed in Phil and Brynn's autopsy reports Dr. Michael Hunter investigates their tragic and untimely deaths.

Jim Morrison lead singer of the 1960's band The Doors was one of rock's most influential but controversial cult icons. His mesmerizing lyrics and vocals earned him critical acclaim and drew the admiration of an army of fans as his outrageous drink and drug fueled behavior, on and off stage, established his reputation as a rebel and trouble-maker. A biographer described him as "an angel in grace and a dog in heat". But on July 3, 1971, Jim Morrison was found dead in the bathtub of his Paris apartment. He was just 27. The official cause was given as heart failure but many have dismissed this finding as a "fairy tale " and his death still inspires rumor and conspiracy theory. Now medical examiner Dr. Michael Hunter re-opens the file.

The mother of megastar Kanye West, Donda West raised her son to be one of the biggest rappers in the world. But, on November 10, 2007, Donda West died 24 hours after cosmetic surgery. Dr. Michael Hunter investigates her tragic and untimely death.

In March 1991, Rodney King was savagely beaten by four white police officers. The incident was caught on camera, and broadcast around the world. The four police officers were then found ‘Not Guilty', triggering the infamous LA riots. It was King who famously called for peace, asking, "Can we all just get along?" But on Sunday June 17th 2012, King, age 47, was found by his fiancé, face down in his backyard swimming pool. Using information revealed in Rodney King's autopsy report Dr. Michael Hunter investigates his final hours and his mysterious death.

John Belushi was a comedy genius. The gross-out characters he created in Animal House and Blues Brothers were iconic. After a meteoric rise to stardom, 33 year-old he was on the cusp of super stardom. But on March 5th, 1982 he was found dead died in Hollywood's Chateau Marmont Hotel. Using information revealed in John Belushi's autopsy report, Dr. Michael Hunter investigates his final days and hours to reveal the cause of his death.

Jimi Hendrix was one of the highest paid musicians in the world. At the age of 27 he had made 3 multi-million albums and had set the gold standard in rock music electric guitar. But he died in London on the September 18, 1970. The coroner concluded that he died after breathing in his own vomit. But, stating insufficient evidence of the circumstances surrounding his death, he returned an open verdict. Nearly half a century later, his death is still shrouded in mystery. Numerous conflicting accounts of his final hours have obscured the truth and fueled conspiracy theories about drugs overdose, suicide and murder. Now Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Hunter re-examines Hendrix's death to cut through claim and counter claims and, using the medical evidence, determines precisely how he died.

The Notorious B.I.G., rapped about girls, guns and money. His rhyming skills and flow propelled him to worldwide fame. A larger than life figure from Brooklyn, New York, his raw talent lifted him from the streets. But in the early hours of March 9th 1997 The Notorious BIG was gunned down in a drive by shooting in downtown Los Angeles. For decades, police have hunted for his killer, but still no-one has been brought to trial. Using information revealed in his autopsy report and police files, Dr. Michael Hunter investigates a motive for BIG's murder and the identity of his killer.

Maurice Gibb was one third of global mega band, The Bee Gees. In a career spanning four decades, they sold over 220 million records. They were best known for their disco classics, high pitched singing voices, and boufant hairstyles. Whilst his brothers sang lead vocals, Maurice was the hidden talent that held the band together, considered by insiders to be the musical director. But on Wednesday January 8th, 2003, Maurice Gibb collapsed in agony at his Miami home. He died 4 days later, aged just 53. According to witnesses Maurice Gibb's death came out of nowhere. So why Maurice went from healthy to collapse to death in 4 days is a mystery. Now forensic examiner Dr. Michael Hunter investigates the forensic evidence.

Don Cornelius was the legendary creator of the hit music and dance show, "Soul Train" but on February 1, 2012 he was found shot to death at his home.

Liberace was one of the most charismatic performers of his generation. His meteoric rise to fame in the 1950s made him the highest paid entertainer in the world. His dazzling stage shows and outlandish costumes earned him a vast international following. But on February 4th, 1987, Liberace was pronounced dead at his home in Palm Springs, California. However, the circumstances surrounding the death of one of the world's most popular entertainers are shrouded in mystery.

The life and career of Chris Farley, the larger-than-life Hollywood star regarded as one of the funniest comics of his generation.

An examination of Corey Haim's autopsy report to dispel the rumors, and reveal the real cause of the actor's tragic and untimely death at the age of 38.

Cory Monteith was a global superstar and a clean-cut all American quarterback on ``Glee'' idolized by millions of teens around the world, but on July 13, 2013 he was found dead on his hotel room floor at the young age of 31.

The tragic passing and the drama surrounding beloved radio legend, Casey Kasem at the age of 82 in June 2014.

Steve McQueen was a legendary actor probably best known for his roles in "The Great Escape,'' "The Magnificent Seven'' and "Bullitt'' but in 1980 he passed away amid rumors and allegations.

World-renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter investigates the last hours of Nirvana's lead singer, Kurt Cobain.

Bob Marley was a musical revolutionary who brought reggae to the world stage but widespread disbelief at his death meant conspiracy theories about a possible assassination quickly circulated.

Dennis Wilson was the drummer for the Beach Boys, who along with his good looks, adrenaline junkie attitude and musical prowess made him one of the great heart throbs of rock and roll, but the mystery of his drowning death warrants another look.

Richard Pryor's shockingly honest, no holds barred performances revolutionised American comedy. And his no holds barred attitude continued off screen with his monstrous appetite for drink, drugs and sex. But during the last part of his life Pryor was struck down with a debilitating illness which left him paralysed and unable to speak. Then, on December 10th, 2005, Richard Pryor dies from a cardiac arrest. But what killed him? Was it his wild past catching up with him? His debilitating illness? Or something else all together? Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter will be examining Richard's medical records to determine precisely was caused the death of this much loved comedian.

An in-depth look at the details surrounding the shocking death of legendary singer/songwriter John Denver.

Prince, the pop superstar who sold over 100 million records over a 30 year career, was fit, health-conscious, and vehemently anti-drugs, and yet, on April 21, 2016, Prince died, shockingly, of a drug overdose; the case is still under investigation.

Daughter of Nat 'King' Cole, Natalie Cole was a unique singing legend but in 2008 her dark past caught up with her and set off an extraordinary chain reaction of medical conditions.

Best known for his roles in "Dirty Dancing'' and "Ghost,'' Patrick Swayze was a legendary actor, dancer and singer but he died at 57 years old in 2009 from cancer.

Steve Jobs was a visionary product designer who revolutionized the computer world with much-loved products like the iPod, iPhone and iPad, but in 2011 he died of a treatable cancer.

Bernie Mac was one of the best-loved stand-up comics of his generation and along with working his way out of poverty, he spent 12 years performing in Chicago clubs before hitting the big time; in 2008 he died at the age of 50.

Gary Coleman soared to success in the hit 80's TV show, "Diff'rent Strokes,'' but at the height of his fame he was plagued by health problems and when his career stalled he hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Janis Joplin, a rock-and-roll icon whose explosive performances electrified audiences around the world, dies alone in her Los Angeles hotel on October 4, 1970, at the age of 27.

Judy Garland was one of the world's most recognised talents and her legendary career in film and on stage spanned generations. As a child star she won millions of fans playing Dorothy in 'The Wizard of Oz' and she went on to pack movie theatres and concert halls with her extraordinary voice. But as well as being famous for her tremendous talent she was also known for her turbulent lifestyle and stormy love life. Not long after her wedding to fifth husband Mickey Deans, on June 22, 1969, she was discovered dead in her bathroom. Judy's sudden death sparked rumour and speculation and now Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter, examines her medical records to reveal exactly what caused the demise of this legendary Hollywood superstar.

Martial arts superstar, Bruce Lee died in Hong Kong in mysterious circumstances aged just 32. An inquest concluded that his death was caused by a hypersensitive reaction to a prescription painkiller given to him for a headache. For more than forty years controversy has surrounded this conclusion with numerous theories emerging as to what might have caused his death. Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter has gained access to Bruce Lee's autopsy and inquest report to dispel the rumors and reveal the real cause of Bruce Lee's death.

As the adorable Buffy in the hit 1960s sitcom Family Affair Anissa Jones was the most famous child star of her generation. But on August 28th 1976 she died at a friend's house in Oceanside, California. She was only 18 years old. A photograph taken at the beach the previous day showed her in good physical shape. World-renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter investigates her life and last hours to solve the mystery of her sudden, tragic death.

On June 19th 2013 James Gandolfini died of a heart attack in Rome. He was just 51 years old. A famously intense character actor, he was credited with changing the very nature of television acting. First appearing in films such as True Romance and Get Shorty, it was the HBO series The Sopranos that made him a household name. But his dedication to his craft took a deep toll on the actor, and rumors of addiction and excess followed him throughout his career. Now expert pathologist Dr Michael Hunter is re-examining his medical history in order to discover what led him to die of a heart attack at only 51.

In February 2013 Country Music singer Mindy McCready shot herself on the porch of her house in Heber Springs Arkansas. Now, world-renowned Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter puts Mindy's complex personal life under the spotlight, and reveals how her unhealthy relationship with prescription medication may have exacerbated an un-diagnosed mental condition and led Mindy to plan her own death.

Mary Tyler Moore, considered the sweetheart of American television, stars in two of the most successful sitcoms in history; behind her iconic smile lies a life beset by tragedy, illness and addiction.

On June 25, 2009, actress and 1970s icon Farrah Fawcett dies of a rare form of cancer in Los Angeles; her death shocks her fans, friends and family as Farrah didn't smoke, ate healthy food and worked hard to keep fit.

On May 16, 1984, comic Andy Kaufman dies from a rare form of lung cancer at just 35 years of age; a master of invention, he told friends he planned to fake his own death, leading some to believe he did not die.

On Feb. 22, 1987, the most famous living artist dies unexpectedly in a New York hospital at the age of 58.

Muhammad Ali's death following a battle with Parkinson's and years in the boxing ring is examined.

Miles Davis' death in 1991 after checking into a hospital for a "routine tune up" is examined.

James Brown's death on Christmas day in an Atlanta hospital is the focus.

Cass Elliot's shocking death in her London flat at age 32 is examined. Included: a look at the rumors surrounding her passing.

James Dean's fatal crash in an automobile is the focus, including the mystery surrounding it.

Elizabeth Taylor's death from cardiac arrest and her medical history are the focus.

The death of George Michael (1963-2016) is examined.

Former Beatle George Harrison's death in 2001 after a short battle with lung cancer is examined.

An examination of David Bowie's death from cancer.

The death of Johnny Cash is examined.

The death of rock star Lou Reed (1942-2013) is examined.

Gram Parsons' death is the focus.

Remembering Roy Orbison (1936-1988), whose hits included "Pretty Woman."

The story of Florence Ballard, a founding member of the Supremes. She parted ways with the group in 1967, and struggled with alcoholism and depression after an unsuccessful solo career. She died of a heart attack in February 1976 at the age of 32.

Christopher John Cornell was an American musician, singer and songwriter. He was best known as the lead vocalist for the rock bands Soundgarden and Audioslave. Cornell was considered one of the chief architects of the 1990s grunge movement, and is well known for his extensive catalog as a songwriter, his nearly four-octave vocal range, and his powerful vocal belting technique. Cornell struggled with depression for much of his life. He was found dead in his Detroit hotel room early on the morning of May 18, 2017, after performing at a Soundgarden concert an hour earlier.

On September 27th, 2017, Media Magnate, and International Playboy Hugh Hefner or Hef as he liked to be known died at the world-famous Playboy Mansion in Beverley Hills. Hef's death certificate reports that he died of a cardiac arrest. But he was incredibly fit for a 91-year old, still at the head of the Playboy Empire, and hosting huge Hollywood parties. So what happened? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr Michael Hunter needs to analyze every detail in the limited available information to piece together what was really going on Hef's body to find the answers.

On April 6, 1998 country icon Tammy Wynette was found dead her Nashville home. The 55 year-old's life had been blighted by ill health, failed marriages and an addiction to pain killers. Following her death her daughters sued both her husband and doctor, leading to the exhumation of her body and an autopsy. In this episode renowned forensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter analyses her autopsy report, together with the testimony of her daughters, her close friends to determine exactly how she died.

Actress, Carrie Fisher died on December 27th 2016, four days after losing consciousness on a transatlantic flight. She was the daughter of Hollywood royalty, best known for playing Princess Leia in the Star Wars films. But she had a dark side and wrote a series of best-selling books about her battles with addiction although she was thought to be drug free before she died. In this episode world renowned forensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter unpacks Carrie Fisher's unusually inconclusive official cause of death which is listed as ‘undetermined factors'. What really caused Carrie's death at the relatively young age of 60?

On July 4, 2003, singer-songwriter and producer Barry White dies; the self-taught pianist who couldn't read music rises from the tough streets of Los Angeles to become a superstar.

An examination of the passing of actor Christopher Reeve.

An examination of the passing of singer Donna Summer, best known for her 1970s career.

Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter attempts to understand John Candy's cause of death.

A look at the life and death of Jeff Conway, best known for his roles in "Grease" and "Taxi".

Dr. Hunter address the conspiracy theories that surrounded actor Michael Clarke Duncan's sudden death of a heart attack in 2012 at the age of 54.

An examination of the passing of Monkees singer Davy Jones.

Luther Vandross was one of the brightest stars in the music business in the 80 and 90's, notching up a raft of hit albums, including his "party starter" single , "Never Too Much" and his album "Dance With My Father" which went straight to No1 in the charts. Luther's career faltered in the 90's but in the early 2000's he was making a successful comeback when disaster struck – he was the victim of a massive stroke in April 2003, which left him in a coma for nearly 2 months. Luther survived and seemed to be coping with his condition at a rehabilitation centre – but less than 2 years later his life was cut tragically short when he collapsed and died following what medical reports described as a cardiac arrhythmia – a catastrophic disruption to his heartbeat. Forensic Pathologist Dr Michael investigates what really killed Luther Vandross, uncovering through his medical investigation the story of a man tormented by an addiction to one of life's basic necessities – food. Luther's extreme weight gain, tipping the scale at 340 pounds with a BMI in the 40, made him morbidly obese – a condition that will lead to heart problems, but Dr Hunter discovers that a hereditary disease, poor lifestyle choices and a disastrous decision on drug taking, combined with Luther's obsessive desire to take control of his career, may have played a part in his death.

On August 6th 2004, the music world was stunned when outrageous entertainer and colourful funk star Rick James was found dead by his housekeeper in his LA home. He was 56 years old. Adored by women, Rick James was an 80s Motown sensation and lived the classic drug-fuelled rock-n-roll lifestyle. However, his excesses took a dark turn when in 1991, he was accused of kidnap and torture, resulting in a prison sentence. Upon release, he turned his life around but something went terribly wrong and things took a turn for the worse. Renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter is investigating Rick James' death and will look into his autopsy report, witness statements and first-hand accounts to reveal why this accomplished, charismatic and popular star died suddenly, alone at home.

Examination of the death of controversial NFL player Aaron Hernandez while imprisoned on murder charges.

In this episode, expert Coroner and Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter unpacks the secrets of Jeffrey Epstein's controversial death in a Manhattan jail cell.

Desi Arnaz was famous for playing the beloved character Ricky Ricardo in the 1950s TV series I Love Lucy. Nearly 30 years later in the early hours of December 2, 1986 Arnaz died at 69 years old. Born in Cuba, Arnaz and his family exiled to Miami following the 1933 revolution when he was just 16 years old. Starting from zero his drive to succeed saw Arnaz rise to fame and attract attention as the bongo-playing leader of a Latin orchestra. With his charisma and boyish good looks he soon won the heart of up and coming movie star Lucille Ball. Together they would change the face of TV with I Love Lucy and later form their own production company Desilu where Arnaz became one of the most powerful people in the TV industry. But did his meteoric success and relentless work habits play a part in his downfall? Now, forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter uses the death certificate, first-hand reports and access to vast archives to uncover the facts behind the sad demise of Arnaz and what really led to his passing.

On March 29, 2016 the world was saddened by the news that American sweetheart Patty Duke had died. As Hollywood's original child star she had been charming audiences for more than 60 years. Duke overcame a childhood of deprivation and abuse to become a household name and in 1963 she became the then youngest actress to win an Academy Award(R) for her career-defining role as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker. She went on to star in The Patty Duke Show delighting TV audiences playing identical twin cousins. It seemed nothing could stop her but in her late teens Duke's life began to unravel. She drank heavily, spent money wildly and became promiscuous. Sadly, she also attempted suicide many times. Duke was diagnosed with a mental illness in her mid-30s and once under control she became a pioneering spokeswoman for mental health issues for the rest of her life. She died at the age of 69 of complications due to a ruptured intestine. Intestinal ruptures are considered rare and with surgical intervention there's a reasonable survival rate so what really happened to Duke? Renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter analyzes every detail in Duke's limited health information available to piece together what else was going on in her body to find answers.

With an acting career spanning more than 50 years Adam West, who played the original and classic Batman in the hit 1960s TV series, was a Hollywood legend. He was also acclaimed for his starring role in the animated series Family Guy from the 1990s until his death in 2017. He died just days after being diagnosed with the blood and bone cancer Leukemia. With timely treatment some Leukemia patients can live for five years or more after a diagnosis so what happened to West? Using his death certificate alongside testimonies of those who knew him renowned pathologist Dr Michael Hunter sifts through evidence from West's life to find the answer.

Bill Bixby was a legendary actor, director and producer who starred in hit shows for four decades with My Favorite Martian in the 1960s, The Courtship of Eddie's Father in the 1970s, The Incredible Hulk in the 1980s and Blossom in the 1990s. But his celebrated performances hid a life of heartache and in his final three years he tried to mask his suffering from prostate cancer. At the time this was a disease that killed a very small percentage of those diagnosed and now renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter investigates why this seemingly fit and healthy man died from such a treatable illness at the age of just 59.