UPCOMING EPISODES

On October 2nd 2017, news of Tom Petty’s sudden death at the age of 66 shocked the nation. As one of America’s most adored singers and songwriters, his career spanned more than four decades. Tom overcame a troubled upbringing in Gainesville, Florida, to become a true rock and roll legend as frontman of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, cofounder of supergroup The Travelling Wilburys and as a solo artist, producing timeless hits such as ‘Free Falling’, ‘American Girl’ and ‘I Won’t Back Down.’ On September 25th, 2017 he played the last night of a sell-out, six month tour with his beloved bandmembers to a packed out stadium in Hollywood. He seemed on top of the world. But just one week later, he collapsed at his Malibu home and was rushed to hospital, where he died the following day. Now, one of the world’s most eminent forensic pathologists, Dr. Michael Hunter wants to investigate the circumstances of Tom’s mysterious death. He will analyse every detail in Tom’s Autopsy report to piece together what led him to die so suddenly and unexpectedly.

On October 6th 2020, the world was shocked by the news that guitar legend Eddie Van Halen had died. A rock prodigy with a boyish charm, Eddie was never more comfortable than when he had a guitar in his hand. Known as the founder of the Van Halen, a band synonymous with California cool, Eddie was surprisingly an immigrant. Of both Dutch and Indonesian heritage, his family moved from the Netherlands to California when he was a child. Without knowing a word of English, Eddie overcame racism in a pre civil rights America. By age 25, Eddie’s band had sold multiple platinum albums and his innovative guitar techniques cemented Eddie in Rock and Roll history. It seemed nothing could stop him. But behind his contagious smile, there was a darker undercurrent that would plague Eddie throughout his life. He dealt with addiction issues for over 4 decades, having started drinking at just age 12. Often relying on alcohol and other substances to maintain his creativity, Eddie would spend many years in and out of rehab. He was a workaholic, often pushing his body to the limits in order to perform while secretly battling illness. Eddie died at the age of 65 from cancer. But if caught early, Eddie’s disease had reasonable survival rates. So what happened? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyse every detail of Eddie Van Halen’s life in order to piece together what else may have been going on in his body, ultimately leading to his untimely death.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On May 14th 1998 the world was saddened by news that the singer and actor Frank Sinatra had died. Arguably the most popular entertainer of the 20th century, he had been at the forefront of the american consciousness for 60 years by the time of his death from heart attack. He overcame birth trauma and a chaotic and lonely childhood to win the hearts of people around the world with his emotional delivery of songs, and his charismatic performances on screen. A heart-throb, Frank was the embodiment of sex appeal, but that didn’t mean he escaped the traumas of love. His second marriage to Ava Gardner ended following infidelity, and several suicide attempts by Frank. At around this time in his life he started drinking Jack Daniels, a habit which would result in a decades long alcohol dependency. He also smoked and had a famously short temper. When he died at age 82 of a heart attack, the causes of his heart failure appeared transparent. But Dr Michael Hunter believes that Frank’s fate was far from inevitable, and that there was an event in Frank’s life which could have caused him to turn his life around.

Jerry Lewis was still working into his nineties, up until just a few months before his death. But 75 years in the limelight took its toll on this comic legend. His body paid the price for his knockabout clown image, which centred around elaborate pratfalls, when he suffered a serious back injury in his early thirties which caused a lifetime of chronic pain, and led to an addiction to opioid painkillers. He was a heavy smoker for more than 40 years and the Doctors discovered congenital heart issues when he was just a teenager. He died at the age of 91 of cardiac disease. However, world-renowned forensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter doesn’t think this is the whole story. He needs to delve deep into Jerry Lewis’ records to discover whether there was, in fact, something else going on in Jerry’s body that contributed to his eventual demise.

On Christmas Day 1995, Dean Martin, nicknamed the “King of Cool”, died at the age of 78, leaving behind a five decade legacy in music, movies, and television. Dean Martin started life in the limelight as a crooner in local bars and clubs, but quickly shot to international stardom as a singer, releasing over 30 albums, and even knocking The Beatles off the top spot in the charts with his hit rendition of “Everybody Loves Somebody Sometimes.” He started his acting character as one half of the comedy duo, “Martin and Lewis” with Jerry Lewis, but after 10 years he cut ties and decided to go it alone. He subsequently starred in more than 40 movies, from Westerns with John Wayne to Oceans 11 with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Junior, with whom he would join forces in movies, on stage and television. The press dubbed them “The Rat Pack”. Dean went on to host his very own TV show, “The Dean Martin Show”, which earned him a Golden Globe award for Best Male Television Star. But 50 years in the limelight took its toll on this popular entertainer. He chain smoked his whole life and was a drinking man, even using alcohol as a prop for a convincing “drunky” stage persona. However, one tragic moment in 1987 would see Dean Martin’s life unravel. During the last 8 years of his life his alcohol intake spiralled out of control and he became dependent on opioid painkillers. He died at the age 78 of respiratory arrest. As a lifelong smoker he developed Emphysema and later, lung cancer. However, world renowned forensic pathologist, Dr Michael Hunter doesn’t think this is the whole story. He needs to delve deep into Dean Martin’s records to discover whether there was, in fact, something else going on in Dean’s body that contributed to his eventual demise.

On May 14th 1998 the world was saddened by news that the singer and actor Frank Sinatra had died. Arguably the most popular entertainer of the 20th century, he had been at the forefront of the american consciousness for 60 years by the time of his death from heart attack. He overcame birth trauma and a chaotic and lonely childhood to win the hearts of people around the world with his emotional delivery of songs, and his charismatic performances on screen. A heart-throb, Frank was the embodiment of sex appeal, but that didn’t mean he escaped the traumas of love. His second marriage to Ava Gardner ended following infidelity, and several suicide attempts by Frank. At around this time in his life he started drinking Jack Daniels, a habit which would result in a decades long alcohol dependency. He also smoked and had a famously short temper. When he died at age 82 of a heart attack, the causes of his heart failure appeared transparent. But Dr Michael Hunter believes that Frank’s fate was far from inevitable, and that there was an event in Frank’s life which could have caused him to turn his life around.

Jerry Lewis was still working into his nineties, up until just a few months before his death. But 75 years in the limelight took its toll on this comic legend. His body paid the price for his knockabout clown image, which centred around elaborate pratfalls, when he suffered a serious back injury in his early thirties which caused a lifetime of chronic pain, and led to an addiction to opioid painkillers. He was a heavy smoker for more than 40 years and the Doctors discovered congenital heart issues when he was just a teenager. He died at the age of 91 of cardiac disease. However, world-renowned forensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter doesn’t think this is the whole story. He needs to delve deep into Jerry Lewis’ records to discover whether there was, in fact, something else going on in Jerry’s body that contributed to his eventual demise.

On Christmas Day 1995, Dean Martin, nicknamed the “King of Cool”, died at the age of 78, leaving behind a five decade legacy in music, movies, and television. Dean Martin started life in the limelight as a crooner in local bars and clubs, but quickly shot to international stardom as a singer, releasing over 30 albums, and even knocking The Beatles off the top spot in the charts with his hit rendition of “Everybody Loves Somebody Sometimes.” He started his acting character as one half of the comedy duo, “Martin and Lewis” with Jerry Lewis, but after 10 years he cut ties and decided to go it alone. He subsequently starred in more than 40 movies, from Westerns with John Wayne to Oceans 11 with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Junior, with whom he would join forces in movies, on stage and television. The press dubbed them “The Rat Pack”. Dean went on to host his very own TV show, “The Dean Martin Show”, which earned him a Golden Globe award for Best Male Television Star. But 50 years in the limelight took its toll on this popular entertainer. He chain smoked his whole life and was a drinking man, even using alcohol as a prop for a convincing “drunky” stage persona. However, one tragic moment in 1987 would see Dean Martin’s life unravel. During the last 8 years of his life his alcohol intake spiralled out of control and he became dependent on opioid painkillers. He died at the age 78 of respiratory arrest. As a lifelong smoker he developed Emphysema and later, lung cancer. However, world renowned forensic pathologist, Dr Michael Hunter doesn’t think this is the whole story. He needs to delve deep into Dean Martin’s records to discover whether there was, in fact, something else going on in Dean’s body that contributed to his eventual demise.

In this hour long film, world-renowned forensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter re-examines the medical evidence relating to the death of Elvis Presley. Having died at his home, Graceland, in mysterious circumstances, Hunter picks through the facts to shed new light on life and death of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Alongside the medical testimony we will explore the timeline of events that contributed to his untimely death and talk to his best friend from childhood, his cousin and his private nurse, all of whom knew and loved him well. They offer up first hand factual accounts of what actually took place, revealing an intimate portrait of how Elvis lived, breathed and ultimately suffered.

World-renowned forensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter analyses the details of this fascinating case to unearth the truth behind Buddy Holly’s death. The singer often appeared to be a man in a hurry. He was always pushing – trying to make things happen. And when you push too hard, things get broken. Why was Buddy like this? What is there in his life and medical history that helps explain the tragedy that overtook Buddy in the skies over Iowa?

On May 16th, 1990, the legendary performer, Sammy Davis Junior, died at the age of 64. His unparalleled gift for singing, dancing, acting and impersonating spawned a 60-year career on stage, in films and on television and won him the nickname “Mr Show Business”. Sammy spent his childhood touring the Vaudeville circuit with his father, before striking out as a highly acclaimed solo act. His career was nearly derailed when a serious car accident resulted in him losing an eye. But he bounced back to establish himself as one of the greatest showmen of all time, both as a solo artist and within The Rat Pack line-up with Frank Sinatra. However, a lifetime of racist abuse, both on and off stage, triggered incredible stress and anxiety, which took a heavy toll on Sammy’s health. He was also a chain smoker for 50 years, drank heavily and experimented with drugs. He died at the age of 64 of pneumonia, due to laryngeal carcinoma, just 8 months after the cancer was diagnosed. Even advanced laryngeal cancer can be cured, so why did this legendary performer die so quickly? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyze every detail in Sammy’s records to discover whether there was, in fact, something else going on that contributed to Sammy’s eventual demise.

Jerry Lewis was still working into his nineties, up until just a few months before his death. But 75 years in the limelight took its toll on this comic legend. His body paid the price for his knockabout clown image, which centred around elaborate pratfalls, when he suffered a serious back injury in his early thirties which caused a lifetime of chronic pain, and led to an addiction to opioid painkillers. He was a heavy smoker for more than 40 years and the Doctors discovered congenital heart issues when he was just a teenager. He died at the age of 91 of cardiac disease. However, world-renowned forensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter doesn’t think this is the whole story. He needs to delve deep into Jerry Lewis’ records to discover whether there was, in fact, something else going on in Jerry’s body that contributed to his eventual demise.

On Christmas Day 1995, Dean Martin, nicknamed the “King of Cool”, died at the age of 78, leaving behind a five decade legacy in music, movies, and television. Dean Martin started life in the limelight as a crooner in local bars and clubs, but quickly shot to international stardom as a singer, releasing over 30 albums, and even knocking The Beatles off the top spot in the charts with his hit rendition of “Everybody Loves Somebody Sometimes.” He started his acting character as one half of the comedy duo, “Martin and Lewis” with Jerry Lewis, but after 10 years he cut ties and decided to go it alone. He subsequently starred in more than 40 movies, from Westerns with John Wayne to Oceans 11 with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Junior, with whom he would join forces in movies, on stage and television. The press dubbed them “The Rat Pack”. Dean went on to host his very own TV show, “The Dean Martin Show”, which earned him a Golden Globe award for Best Male Television Star. But 50 years in the limelight took its toll on this popular entertainer. He chain smoked his whole life and was a drinking man, even using alcohol as a prop for a convincing “drunky” stage persona. However, one tragic moment in 1987 would see Dean Martin’s life unravel. During the last 8 years of his life his alcohol intake spiralled out of control and he became dependent on opioid painkillers. He died at the age 78 of respiratory arrest. As a lifelong smoker he developed Emphysema and later, lung cancer. However, world renowned forensic pathologist, Dr Michael Hunter doesn’t think this is the whole story. He needs to delve deep into Dean Martin’s records to discover whether there was, in fact, something else going on in Dean’s body that contributed to his eventual demise.

On May 14th 1998 the world was saddened by news that the singer and actor Frank Sinatra had died. Arguably the most popular entertainer of the 20th century, he had been at the forefront of the american consciousness for 60 years by the time of his death from heart attack. He overcame birth trauma and a chaotic and lonely childhood to win the hearts of people around the world with his emotional delivery of songs, and his charismatic performances on screen. A heart-throb, Frank was the embodiment of sex appeal, but that didn’t mean he escaped the traumas of love. His second marriage to Ava Gardner ended following infidelity, and several suicide attempts by Frank. At around this time in his life he started drinking Jack Daniels, a habit which would result in a decades long alcohol dependency. He also smoked and had a famously short temper. When he died at age 82 of a heart attack, the causes of his heart failure appeared transparent. But Dr Michael Hunter believes that Frank’s fate was far from inevitable, and that there was an event in Frank’s life which could have caused him to turn his life around.

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.

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.