UPCOMING EPISODES

When legendary comedian Garry Shandling died at the age of just 66 in 2016, his fans and the show business community were mystified and shocked. Over 40 years on stage and screen, audiences loved his self-analytical and self-deprecating humour and thanks to hit sitcoms like the Larry Sanders show, he garnered over 60 awards or nominations, including Emmys. Outwardly, he appeared to be in good health – never drinking to excess or using illegal drugs but always pursuing a busy fitness regime, eating well and practicing meditation. Behind the scenes howecer, Garry was obsessively perfectionist and workaholic and suffered intense stress in his business and personal lives. He also battled with serious long-term health conditions resulting in major surgeries and the removal of internal organs. His medical history was complicated. World renowned pathologist Dr Michael Hunter is re-opening Garry’s medical files to solve the mystery of what caused the fatal blood clot that would ultimately claim Garry’s life.

On May 16th 1984, unique comedy talent, Andy Kaufman, died from a rare form of lung cancer at just 35 years of age. Renowned for his eccentric stage routines and comedy sketches on the TV show ‘Saturday Night Live’ he went on to gain international fame playing ‘Latka’ the goofy mechanic in the 70’s sitcom ‘Taxi’. A master of invention, he told friends he was going to fake his own death, leading some to believe he did not die. In this episode, expert Coroner and Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter, examines Andy Kaufman’s medical history to try and discover what caused the death of this comic phenomenon at such a young age.

Gilda Radner was an icon of American comedy, whose unique characters on hit show Saturday Night Live catapulted her into the nation’s heart. But behind the laughter was a life blighted by illness and sorrow- from bulimia to multiple miscarriages. And at the age of just 42 she died of ovarian cancer in a Los Angeles hospital. So what caused her to catch the deadly disease at such a young age and why did doctors miss multiple opportunities to catch it? World renowned medical examiner and forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter leads the investigation to find the answers.

On March 4th 1994, beloved comedy actor John Candy was found dead in Durango Mexico, where he had been working on what would become his final film, Wagons East. Candy rose through the ranks of the celebrated Second City theatre group, and went on to appear in over 40 films, winning acclaim for his performances in classic films such as Splash, Cool Runnings and Planes, Trains and Automobiles. His death certificate stated that he died of a heart attack – but what was the cause? John Candy was known for his larger than life persona, and he battled with his weight throughout his life. But it seems that events that unfolded in Mexico on the set of Wagons East could have also contributed to his shocking and untimely death at the age of just 43. World renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter will analyse every detail of Candy’s death certificate, along with the testimonies from those closest to John, in order to understand what ultimately caused the death of a Hollywood icon.

Chris Farley was the larger-than-life Hollywood star regarded as one of the funniest comedians of his generation. His outrageous blend of physical slapstick and vulnerable charm earned him the adoration of the American public. After shooting to fame in the early 90’s as one of Saturday Night Live’s brightest talents, he went on to star in a string of hit movies. But on December 18th 1997 Chris’ body was found on the floor of his Chicago apartment, after four days of partying. He died alone aged 33. Now, Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Hunter is taking a fresh look at the death of an icon who was loved by millions.

Robin Williams was one of the funniest and most gifted comedians of his generation. He burst to prominence in 1978 in the hit TV sitcom Mork & Mindy and won an Oscar for Good Will Hunting in 1997. But just before noon on August 11th 2014, he’s found hanging from a belt secured to a closet door in his home in Tiburon, California. Now, Dr Michael Hunter is piecing together the events of Robin William’s last hours and evidence from the autopsy report to uncover what triggered this suicide. The star had overcome major heart surgery, was winning a lifelong battle with drink and drugs and, at the age of 63, was set to reprise one of his most famous roles in a sequel of box office smash Mrs Doubtfire. Yet beneath this surface Robin Williams was a troubled man, secretly coping with a recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, taking medication used for severe psychiatric conditions and displaying bizarre signs of paranoid behaviour. However, Dr Hunter reveals it’s a rare and undiagnosed brain disease that finally is the driver that causes Robin Williams to take his own life. Alongside sensitive and factually based drama we talk to close friends, biographers and a psychologist and painstakingly investigate the tragic death of a comedy legend.

Steve McQueen was a legendary actor probably best known for his roles in ‘The Great Escape’, ‘The Magnificent Seven’ and ‘Bullitt’. By the mid 1970s, ‘The King of Cool’ was the world’s highest paid movie star but on November 7 1980 he died almost unrecognizable in a hospital bed in Mexico at just 50 years old. His death fuelled wild rumors and allegations of conspiracy. Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter examines Steve’s extensive medical records to unravel the truth surrounding his death and attempts to reveal what really happened to this iconic star.

Bill Bixby was a legendary actor, director and producer who had been charming audiences for three decades. He found fame with My Favourite Martian and The Courtship of Eddie’s Father before cementing his stardom in The Incredible Hulk. But his celebrated performance hid a life of heartache and in his final three years he tried to mask the fact he was suffering from a disease that was killing him, prostate cancer. Even at the time, this was a disease that killed a very small percentage of those diagnosed with it. So world-renowned forensic pathologist, Dr Michael Hunter, is going to investigate the reasons this seemingly fit and healthy man died from such a treatable illness on November 21st 1993 at the age of just 59.

On October 10th 2004, Christopher Reeve died in hospital leaving the world heartbroken. The actor’s role as Superman had turned him into a global superstar but after a freak horse riding accident in 1995 had left him paralyzed, his determination to walk again and his campaigning for America’s disabled community transformed him into another type of hero. The world’s media reported the cause of death as heart failure but this raised more questions than answers. Conflicting reports emerged, one even suggested that Chris had suffered a severe allergic reaction to a drug just before his death. World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter will now investigates every aspect of Christopher’s life in forensic detail, using reports from the time and first-hand accounts to piece together what was going on in the body of America’s Superman to find the answers.

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.

On March 31st 1993, the world was shocked by the news that 28-year-old Brandon Lee, son of kung fu legend, Bruce Lee, had been fatally shot on a film set. But how could an accident like this happen when the gun that fired the fatal shot was supposedly loaded with safe, blank ammunition? And how did a supremely fit martial arts hero succumb to an abdominal gunshot wound when the chances of survival seemed to be stacked in his favor?

Midday, Friday August 28, 2020, Canyon Drive, Hollywood, the heroic ‘Black Panther’ star Chadwick Boseman died at home surrounded by his family at the height of the Covid pandemic. He was just 43. Dr Michael Hunter, world renowned medical examiner, will investigate and analyze all the available evidence to find out how this globally-loved, highly-admired actor and gentle soul lived and died; he’ll explore Chadwick's medical history and firsthand accounts from his life, to explain how he managed to overcome childhood trauma of a homicide and racism, to shine bright but briefly as a superstar and spokesperson for Black rights and learn how Chadwick’s death has since saved countless lives.

On November 30 2013, the shocking news that star of Hollywood action franchise Fast and Furious Paul Walker had died; in a tragic twist of fate the 40 year-old heart throb had passed in a high speed car accident. The ultimate action hero, blessed with stunning good looks, Paul had a thirst for thrills etched into his DNA. His maternal grandfather raced cars at the famous Bonneville Speedway, while his male side was dominated by wartime heroics. His grandfather was a Pearl Harbour veteran turned boxing champion and his father a Purple Heart winner. Ironically ocean lover Paul was a reluctant film star who had seen acting as a means to finance his passion for surfing. But at 25 the arrival of his daughter Meadow forced Paul to challenge his Mormon roots, deciding he wasn’t ready to be a full-time father. Paul and the action movie industry became a perfect fit, earning Paul a fortune, and the means to indulge his passion for fast cars. But after a decade contracted to the Fast and Furious series Paul wanted out; he had reconnected with his daughter and had launched his own disaster relief charity. During a Thanksgiving break from filming the latest turbo-charged outing of the multi-million franchise Paul hosted a charity event. Take a quick spin around the block in a Porsche supercar Paul and his business partner Roger Rodas lost their lives. So what happened? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr Michael Hunter analyses the details to determine what caused the crash.

On May 8th 2020, the entertainment world was rocked by the news that legendary Las Vegas illusionist Roy Horn had become a victim to the coronavirus pandemic. As one half of Siegfried and Roy, he was the animal-tamer who helped re-invent the magic act as multi-million-dollar spectacle. It was during a traumatic childhood in post-war Germany that Roy developed a unique ability to communicate with animals. In partnership with budding magician Siegfried, he took his talent to the stage – and the pair developed a live act that starred cheetahs, lions and tigers. They went from touring the clubs of Europe - to scoring their own headline residency as the hottest act in Vegas. They performed over 30,000 shows, becoming one of the most successful live acts of all time – and the official ‘Magicians of the Century’. But in 2003 tragedy struck – when Roy was mauled onstage and almost killed by one of his tigers. He was left permanently paralysed – but his strength to survive and recover from the incident was heralded as close to miraculous. Then, at the age of 75, he died from complications due to coronavirus. It’s a highly contagious disease, but has a low mortality rate – and 94 per cent of those who die have at least one other pre-existing health condition. So what made Roy’s infection turn fatal? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyse every detail in the limited available information to piece together what else was going on in his body to find the answers.

On September 4th 2006 Australian zookeeper and wildlife expert Steve Irwin was tragically killed while filming an underwater documentary on the Great Barrier Reef. Steve had won global notoriety as the ‘Crocodile Hunter’, handling deadly snakes, toxic reptiles, and apex predators on programmes watched by an estimated worldwide audience of 500 million. But the world was shocked to learn that, at the age of just 44, the seemingly invincible conservationist, had been killed by a creature not known for being aggressive or dangerous – a stingray. Now, world renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter is investigating what led one of the world’s most iconic wildlife experts to be killed by an otherwise docile animal?

On April 25th 2002 Lisa “Left -Eye” Lopes was killed in a mysterious car crash in the depths of the Honduran Jungle. The road was quiet, conditions were dry and initial reports suggest that hers was the only car on the road. Lisa was one third of the phenomenally successful girl band TLC and her death was met with shock and hysteria. Lisa was 5ft tall but her feisty volatile nature often brought her into contact with the law. Yet at the height of TLC’s fame she began to spend more and more time in a mysterious Jungle retreat that was set up by self-proclaimed healer Dr Sebi. Did Dr Sebi’s strict dietary regime have any influence on her tragic accident? In this episode, Forensic Pathologist Dr Michael Hunter looks at the last three weeks in the life on this musical Icon to try to work out how and why she was killed.

When Bobbi Kristina Brown passed away on July, 26th 2015 from a combination of alcohol, drugs and drowning, it was a death that shocked the world, not only by its tragedy, but by the haunting similarities to the death of her mother, Whitney Houston. The 22-year-old was found face down and unresponsive in her bath in January of that year, and spent several months in a coma, before passing away in a hospice. According to the autopsy report she died of lobar pneumonia, caused by the combination of drugs found in her system, drowning and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy - a neurological condition resulting from a lack of oxygen to the brain. The medical examiner's office said marijuana and alcohol were also involved in the death, along with medications used for sedation or to treat anxiety. Dr. Michael Hunter examines what really caused the death of Bobbi Kristina Brown.

Whitney Houston was a global superstar. Selling over 200 million records her extraordinary voice took her from a gospel choir to become a worldwide singing phenomenon. But at 3.36pm on February 11th 2012 she was found unconscious in a bathtub in a Hollywood hotel. Within minutes she was pronounced dead. The world’s media had long been filled with sordid tales of drug and alcohol addiction but with a new recording contract and a fresh start away from her former badboy husband Bobby Brown, it seemed Whitney Houston was finally turning her life around. So what happened that meant she died so unexpectedly in a bathtub at the age of just 48. Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter has the answers.

In 2017 rap legend Prodigy unexpectedly died in a Las Vegas hospital. The 42 year old had famously battled the hereditary blood disorder sickle cell anemia since birth; the pain of which helped him mould the signature hard core rap sound that propelled him to fame. But shortly after his passing, rumours emerged that Prodigy had choked to death. In this episode, Dr. Hunter unravels the details of Prodigy’s life-long condition and seeks to shed light on the reasons for his death.

On March 26, 1995 the music world was shocked by the sudden death of ‘Godfather of Gangster Rap,’ Eric ‘Eazy-E’ Wright. A true underdog, Eazy grew up on the crime-ridden streets of Compton, and forged an early career selling crack cocaine. But the constant threats of imprisonment and gang violence persuaded him to put his business skills towards a more legitimate enterprise - rap music. Setting up Ruthless Records with money from drug-dealing, Eazy and his friends developed a new, West Coast hip-hop sound that reflected the harsh realities of life in the ‘hood. Initially just a manager, Eazy was encouraged to get behind the microphone - where he found fame and fortune as a solo rapper and a key member of controversial group N.W.A. But his career came to an abrupt end when he was diagnosed with HIV at the age of 30 - and a month later he was dead. In the months and years that followed, questions over his diagnosis and conspiracy theories about how he died have cast a shadow of doubt over his final weeks. So what happened? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyze every detail to get to the truth of how Eazy-E died.