Autopsy: The Last Hours Of…

The Last Hours of… Bernie Mac - Bernie Mac was one of the best-loved stand-up comedians of his generation. He worked his way out of poverty through years of performing in Chicago clubs before hitting the big time as part of Def Comedy Jam in the early 90’s. After touring relentlessly, Mac found mainstream success in Hollywood with movie roles and a primetime TV show. But in July 2008, at the height of his career, he was hospitalized with pneumonia. After 3 weeks in intensive care he died at 50. Now, Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Hunter is taking a fresh look at the death of this unique performer who was loved by millions. We’ll drop new Autopsy podcasts on Wednesdays. Next week, Dr. Hunter examines the death of The Sopranos star, James Gandolfini.Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

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On August 6th 2004, the music world was stunned when the outrageous and funk music star behind “Superfreak,” Rick James, was found dead by his housekeeper in his LA home at 56. In the 1980’s James lived the classic rock-n-roll lifestyle fueled by sex and cocaine. But his excesses took a dark turn in 1991 when charges of kidnapping, assault and torture sent him to prison. Upon release, he turned his life around but then things went terribly wrong once again. Renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter is investigating the cause of Rick James’ death using his autopsy report, witness statements and first-hand accounts to reveal what killed The King of Punk Funk. We’ll drop a new Autopsy podcast each Wednesday. Next week, Dr. Hunter examines the death of funny-man, Bernie Mac.Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

July 29th 1974. Singer Cass Elliot was found dead in a London flat. She was 32 years old and her death shocked the world. One of the most memorable figures of the hippie music scene, Elliot rose to fame in the The Mamas and The Papas, who took the world by storm with their harmonies in hits like ‘California Dreamin’. But her death fueled speculation and rumor. Was it an overdose, a complication caused by obesity? Or were the reports that she choked on a ham sandwich true? World renowned Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Hunter cuts through the speculation and takes a fresh look at the evidence to find out what really killed Cass Elliot. We’ll drop a new Autopsy podcast each Wednesday. Next week, Dr. Hunter examines the death of “Superfreak” singer, Rick James.Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

On September 27th, 2017, Playboy Magazine founder and media magnate Hugh Hefner died at his world-famous Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills. Hef’s death certificate lists cardiac arrest. But he was incredibly fit for a 91-year old, still at the head of the Playboy Empire, and still hosting huge Hollywood parties. So what happened? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr Michael Hunter analyzes the details in Hefner’s autopsy along with first-hand reports to piece together what was really going on in Hef’s body on the day he died. We’ll drop a new Autopsy podcast each Wednesday. Next week, Dr. Hunter examines the mystery behind the death of The Mamas and The Papas singer, Mama Cass Elliot.Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

He was “The Velvet Voice.” Luther Vandross was one of the brightest stars in the music business in the 80’s and 90’s, notching up a slew of hit albums, including his “party starter” single , “Never Too Much” and his album “Dance With My Father” which went straight to Number 1. After his career faltered, Luther was poised for a comeback in the early 2000’s when disaster struck—A massive stroke left him in a coma for nearly 2 months. Vandross survived but less than 2 years later he collapsed and died following what medical reports described as a “cardiac arrhythmia.” Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter investigates what really killed Luther Vandross and uncovers the story of a man tormented by a food addiction that led to huge weight gains and losses. But was it weight that killed Luther Vandross or something hidden even deeper? We’ll drop a new Autopsy podcast each Wednesday. Next week, Dr. Hunter examines the death of Playboy founder, Hugh Hefner.Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

Richard Pryor's shockingly honest, no holds barred performances revolutionized American comedy. And his no holds barred attitude continued off stage with a monstrous appetite for alcohol, drugs and sex. But during the last part of his life-long party, Pryor was stricken with multiple sclerosis which left him paralyzed and unable to speak. On December 10th, 2005, Richard Pryor died suddenly from a cardiac arrest. But what caused it? Was it his wild past catching up with him? His debilitating illness? Or something else? Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter examines Richard's medical records to determine precisely was caused the death of this much-loved comedian. We’ll drop a new Autopsy podcast each Wednesday. Next week, Dr. Hunter examines the death of R&B Giant, Luther Vandross. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

Prince, the pop superstar who sold over 100 million records was fit, health-conscious, and against drug abuse. And yet, on April 21st, 2016, Prince died, shockingly, of a drug overdose at his Paisley Park compound. His case is still shrouded in the mystery of what happened to “The High Priest of Pop” during his final hours. Renowned forensic pathologist, Dr Michael Hunter, analyses Prince’s medical history to uncover possible reasons for his death at only 57 years old. We’ll drop a new Autopsy podcast every Wednesday. Next week, Dr. Hunter examines death of comic-legend, Richard Pryor.Like what you hear and want mor e true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

Cory Monteith was a global superstar. The clean-cut all-American quarterback on television’s “Glee” was idolized by millions of teens around the world. “Glee” thrust him into instant stardom in 2009 and his public persona mirrored his on-screen character. But on July 13th, 2013 he was found dead on the floor of his Vancouver hotel room. What caused the clean-living TV star’s death at just 31? Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter digs into Monteith’s autopsy report to reveal another man underneath Cory’s squeaky-clean exterior. Did a dark and troubled past that come back to haunt Cory Monteith before his untimely death? We’ll drop a new Autopsy podcast each Wednesday. Next week, Dr. Hunter re-examines the death of Prince.Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

Natalie Wood was the hottest Hollywood actress of her generation. She married screen legend Robert Wagner not once but twice and was the epitome of beauty, success and wealth. But on November 29th, 1981, on a weekend sailing trip to Catalina Island, 43 year old Natalie was found dead. The cause was officially reported as “accidental drowning.” Did Natalie Wood fall off the yacht or go for a swim? Was she pushed? The true cause of her drowning has never been explained. Medical examiner Dr. Michael Hunter takes a fresh look at one of Hollywood’s most enduring mysteries to determine if Natalie Wood died in an accident or if her death was due to something more sinister. We’ll drop a new Autopsy podcast each Wednesday. Next week, Dr. Hunter examines the death of the clean-cut star of Glee, Corey Monteith.Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

Maurice Gibb was one third of global mega-band, The Bee Gees. In a career spanning four decades, they sold over 220 million records. Whie his brothers sang lead vocals, Maurice was the hidden talent that held the band together and was considered by insiders to be the musical director. But on January 8th, 2003, Maurice Gibb collapsed in agony at his Miami home. He died 4 days later, at just 53. According to witnesses Maurice Gibb’s death came out of nowhere. What caused this seemingly healthy man to collapse and die is a mystery. Forensic examiner and Expert Coroner. Dr. Michael Hunter investigates the evidence to unravel the case of the death of Maurice Gibb. We’ll drop a new Autopsy podcast each Wednesday. Next week, Dr. Hunter examines the mysterious death of screen legend Natalie Wood.Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

At the age of 27, Jimi Hendrix was one of the highest paid musicians in the world. He had made 3 multi-million selling albums and was rock music’s most influential guitarist. But he died in London on the September 18, 1970. The coroner concluded that his death was caused by suffocation when he breathed in his own vomit. But the circumstances surrounding his true cause of death a mystery. Numerous conflicting accounts of his final hours have obscured the truth and fueled conspiracy theories about drug overdose, suicide and murder. Now 50 years after his death 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. We’ll drop a new podcast each Wednesday. Next time, Dr. Hunter re-opens the autopsy of Bee Gees icon, Maurice Gibb.Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

At 24 years old, actor James Dean’s role in “Rebel Without a Cause” made him a superstar and an icon of teenage rebellion. But on September 30, 1955, James Dean died in a horrific car crash near Cholame in California. For more than 60 years mystery has surrounded the cause of the crash since Dean was an accomplished racing driver on a straight road in good conditions. Now, expert Coroner and Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter is reopening the case using testimony from family, friends, crash experts and biographers to finally reveal the true cause of James Dean’s death. Next week, Dr. Hunter examines the death of rock music’s most influential guitar hero, Jimi Hendrix. We’ll drop a new Autopsy podcast every Wednesday.Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

Kanye West’s mom, Donda West, went from modest beginnings, to the limelight as her son rose to be one of the biggest rappers in the world. As his manager, she became a regular at the brightest parties in showbiz. In doing so she broke every stereotype about single black women raising her sons. But, on November 10, 2007, Donda West, underwent cosmetic surgery and died 24 hours later. Kanye West blamed the fatal attraction of stardom, saying, “I feel sometimes like if me and my mom never moved to Hollywood that she’d still be here.” Combining information revealed in Donda’s autopsy with first-hand accounts from those who cared for before she died, Dr. Michael Hunter investigates the tragic and untimely death of 58 year-old Donda West. We’ll drop a new Autopsy podcast each Wednesday. Next week, Dr. Hunter examines the death of the “Rebel Without a Cause,” James Dean.Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

As the adorable “Buffy” in the 1960’s sitcom “Family Affair,” Anissa Jones was the most famous child star of her generation. But on August 28th, 1976, Anissa died at a friend’s house near San Diego, 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 the sudden, tragic death of actress Anissa Jones. Next week, Dr. Hunter examines the untimely death of Kanye West’s mother, Donda West.Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

On April 20th 2016, professional wrestling legend Chyna died from an overdose in her Los Angeles apartment. Once celebrated as the “Ninth Wonder of the World,” Chyna’s life unraveled after she left WWE and became infamous for drug and alcohol abuse. After a mysterious 4-year exile in Japan, Chyna returned to the USA intent on reinventing herself. Instead, she died alone 9 months later at the age of just 46. Expert Coroner and Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter unpacks the secrets of Chyna’s autopsy and, along with accounts from friends, pieces together the truth about Chyna’s tragic death. Next week, Dr. Hunter examines death of child actress Anissa Jones, better known as “Buffy” in the 1960’s sitcom, Family Affair. We’ll drop a new Autopsypodcast each Wednesday.Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

February 17, 2013… Country Music singer Mindy McCready shoots herself to death on the porch of her house in Heber Springs, Arkansas. Her boyfriend had killed himself on the same spot five weeks earlier. What caused the singer behind “Ten Thousand Angels” to take her life? Could the tragedy have been prevented? World-renowned Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter puts Mindy's complex personal life under the microscope to reveal how her unhealthy relationship with prescription drugs may have aggravated an un-diagnosed mental condition that led Mindy to suicide. Next week, Dr. Hunter examines the death of WWE legend, Chyna. New episodes every Wednesday.Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

Steve McQueen was a legendary actor best known for his roles in ‘The Great Escape’, ‘The Magnificent Seven’ and ‘Bullitt’. By the 1970’s, he was known as ‘The King of Cool’ and was the world’s highest paid movie star. But on November 7th, 1980 he died in a hospital bed in Mexico at just 50 years old. He was nearly unrecognizable and his death fueled rumors and allegations of conspiracy. Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter examines Steve McQueen’s case and medical records to unravel the truth surrounding his death as he attempts to reveal what really killed this iconic star. We’ll drop a new Autopsypodcast each Wednesday. Next week, Dr. Hunter re-opens the case of country music legend, Mindy McCready.Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

On June 25, 2009, Farrah Fawcett died of a rare form of cancer in Los Angeles. The death of the actress and 1970’s icon shocked her fans, friends and family as Farrah didn’t smoke, ate healthy food and worked hard to keep fit. In this podcast, expert coroner and Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter examines Farrah’s medical history and hears from some of her closest friends to uncover what caused Farrah’s cancer and if the alternative cancer treatments she received played a part in her death. We’ll drop a new Autopsypodcast each Wednesday. Next week, Dr. Hunter examines the mysterious death of “The King of Cool,” actor Steve McQueen.Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

On September 12, 2003, the world was mourning the loss of legendary singer Johnny Cash, who died at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee from respiratory arrest. Known for his heavy drug use and reckless attitude to his health, Johnny Cash reached the age of 71 and died shortly after his wife of 35 years June Carter died. Many speculated that he died of a broken heart and others believed it was his unhealthy lifestyle that was to blame. Now, Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter is taking a fresh look at Johnny Cash’s death to reveal whether years of drug abuse and hard-living led to the “Man in Black’s” demise or whether his death truly was due to a broken heart. We’ll drop a new Autopsy podcast each Wednesday. Next week, Dr. Hunter examines death of funny-man, Chris Farley. We’ll drop a new Autopsypodcast each Wednesday. Next week, Dr. Hunter examines the final hours of Farrah Fawcett.Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/