UPCOMING EPISODES

On September 12, 2003, the world was mourning the loss of legendary singer Johnny Cash, who died 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. Many speculated that he died of a broken heart and others believed it was his wayward lifestyle that was to blame. Now, Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter is taking a fresh look at Johnny Cash’s death and will reveal whether years of drug abuse and hard-living led to the star’s demise or whether his death was due to something else entirely.

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.

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.

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 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?

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.

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 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?

On March 4th, 2019, the much-loved actor Luke Perry died after suffering a massive, and totally unexpected, stroke. He was just 52 years old. Born in an Ohio backwater, Luke learned to appreciate the simple things in life, but his desire to escape small-town living took him to California. There, after years scraping a living, Luke hit the big time when he landed the role of bad-boy Dylan McKay in the hit teen TV series ‘Beverly Hills 90210’. Idolised by millions around the world, Luke never succumbed to his celebrity status. A humble, generous & talented actor, who loved a quiet family life, Luke was far from a ‘live hard, die young’ cliché. Dr. Michael Hunter uses Luke’s Death certificate and first-hand accounts of Luke’s life to uncover the mystery behind what may have caused the catastrophic stroke that killed this healthy, active 52-year-old actor.

Cory Monteith was a global superstar. The clean cut all American quarterback on Glee idolized by millions of teens around the world. The TV phenomenon thrust him to instant stardom in 2009 and his public persona mirrored his on screen character. But on 13 July 2013 he was found dead on his hotel room floor, aged only 31. Forensic Pathologist, Michael Hunter, discovers that Cory was not what he appeared and beneath his clean cut exterior lay a dark and troubled past that would come back to haunt him.

Corey Haim was the poster boy of 1980’s Hollywood, starring in “The Lost Boys”, “Lucas”, and “License to Drive.” Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter examines Corey’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.

River Phoenix was one of the most popular and exciting stars of the 1990s. Supposedly clean-living and anti-drugs, his films included the cult classics Stand by Me and My Own Private Idaho, and at 18 he received an Oscar nomination for his role in Running on Empty. But on October 31st 1993 after an hour at friend Johnny Depp’s exclusive nightclub in Los Angeles, The Viper Room, River started convulsing. After 5 seizures over a period of just 30 minutes and repeated attempts at resuscitation by paramedics, River Phoenix was officially pronounced dead at 01:51am. Armed with the autopsy report, Dr Michael Hunter will take the viewer back over the last few weeks of River’s life and try to unravel what went on that fateful night. Returning from a six week film shoot in the mountains of Utah, the autopsy reveals that River’s return to Los Angeles was fraught with mystery illnesses, prescription pill and illegal drug-taking. However it’s the one hour he spends at the club that holds the key to understanding why Phoenix, a perfectly fit and healthy young man, lost his life so tragically. Alongside careful and detailed reconstructed drama scenes we talk to close friends, a psychologist and people who knew him, to painstakingly piece back together the last days of one of the most exciting actors of the 1990s

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 January 22nd 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 rumor. 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, world renowned forensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter investigates the final hours of Heath Ledger.

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.

On January 14th, 2009, the revered actor, Ricardo Montalbán, died from Congestive Heart Failure at 88 years old. Born in Mexico, he discovered a passion for acting while studying English in the USA. His natural charm and good looks mixed with an innate talent led to an on-screen career that spanned seven decades. As charming off-screen as he was on-screen, Ricardo masked a life-long struggle with chronic pain, and was compelled to use his place in society to forge battle against racism in Hollywood. Dr. Michael Hunter uses Ricardo’s Death certificate and first-hand accounts of Ricardo’s life to uncover the truth behind the devastating heart failure that killed this 88-year-old actor.

On July 19th 2014, the world was shocked and saddened by the news that beloved American actor and producer James Garner had died at the age of 86. James had made a name for himself as one of the most genuine stars of his generation boasting a career that spanned 6 decades. Starring in over 85 movies and television shows James created some of our most loved TV characters including Maverick and Jim Rockford from The Rockford Files. Born into poverty, James had a difficult childhood growing up in the small town of Norman Oklahoma at the start of the great depression. His teenage years were tough due to an abusive stepmother and a lack of interest in any of the numerous jobs he tried. Then In 1950 he became the first man from Oklahoma to be drafted to the Korean War where he sustained numerous injuries. James then caught his first acting break by chance after discovering an old friend had become an actor’s agent and following a contract with legendary film company ‘Warner Brothers’ the role of Maverick catapulted him to Hollywood stardom. He was one of the few actors that made it big in both film and television, in a time when it was rare to do so. James became a folk hero to other actors when he won huge legal battles against two of the biggest studios, breaking his contract and clawing back hidden revenues. Known for his effortless acting and his humorous anti-heroes he was one of Hollywood’s highest ranked actors but behind James’ smile there was hidden pain and we discover he had secretly battled ill health for over 35 years. James suffered from multiple life-threatening conditions, he underwent numerous surgeries and struggled both mentally and physically. James died of a heart attack at the age of 86. Why did one of our most treasured actors succumb to this fete? And how did he battle ill health for so long? World renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyze James’ history, lifestyle and medical past in order to find the answers.

On January 22nd 1994, just one day after his 72nd birthday, actor Telly Savalas died in bed at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Los Angeles, but he is immortalized in the most famous part he played, bald headed Detective Theo Kojak, the world’s best known and best loved cop. Telly rose from a roller coaster childhood which saw him pitched from private school and privilege into living in the harsh realities of New York’s Lower East Side during the Great Depression of the 1930’s. He never intended to be an actor but in his mid-thirties he attended an audition by chance and ended up winning the part which launched his on-screen career. He quickly won plaudits from critics and moviegoers alike as a screen heavy, playing chilling psychopaths who exuded an easy charm, before landing the part of hard-nosed but kind hearted cop Kojak on the small screen. He became an unlikely sex symbol, and embraced the Hollywood lifestyle eagerly, and that may have been his downfall. The death certificate states that he suffered kidney failure as a result of bladder cancer – but while almost half of those diagnosed with Bladder cancer survive for 10 years after diagnosis, Telly was dead within a month…and many still attribute his death to a different cause. What was the truth behind the rumors, and could his celebrated bald head be connected with what really killed him. World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyze every detail of Telly’s life to piece together the facts of what happened to end it.

Johnny Carson, the undisputed King of Late Night TV died in Los Angeles in January 2005. From 1962 and for nearly 30 years, he tucked millions of Americans into bed every night as the host of NBC’s “Tonight” show. His humour and laid-back demeanour attracted the cream of global talent night after night and his famed monologues helped Americans take in the day’s news with a wry smile. But away from the cameras, Johnny was a troubled man, haunted by an emotionally impoverished childhood leading to heavy drinking and womanising in his adult life. His distant relationship with his 3 sons culminated in tragedy when one of them, Rick, died in a car crash at the age of 39. Johnny paid a heavy price for the stresses in his personal and professional lives. A heavy smoker from childhood, he was diagnosed with the lung disease emphysema nearly 20 years before his death. This made it increasingly hard for him to breath and took a heavy toll on his heart, culminating in a heart attack in 1999 and his death six years later from respiratory arrest. World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter, re-examines Johnny’s life story and medical history to find out exactly how his emotional and physical health combined to silence this giant of the small screen.

On January 29th, 1977, the world was stunned by the news that the breakout comedy star, Freddie Prinze, had taken his own life at the age of 22. He shot to fame as the star of the primetime sitcom ‘Chico and the Man’ after appearing on The Tonight Show at just 19-years-old. But Freddie struggled to balance his fast rise to fame and fortune with the demands of being a husband and young Father. His recreational drug habit spiraled into full-blown dependence and his behavior became increasingly impulsive and reckless. Too much. Too soon. A life of excess. Did it all become too much to handle for Freddie? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyze every detail in Freddie’s records to piece together what exactly caused this bright, young comic with the world at his feet to take his own life.

Johnny Carson, the undisputed King of Late Night TV died in Los Angeles in January 2005. From 1962 and for nearly 30 years, he tucked millions of Americans into bed every night as the host of NBC’s “Tonight” show. His humour and laid-back demeanour attracted the cream of global talent night after night and his famed monologues helped Americans take in the day’s news with a wry smile. But away from the cameras, Johnny was a troubled man, haunted by an emotionally impoverished childhood leading to heavy drinking and womanising in his adult life. His distant relationship with his 3 sons culminated in tragedy when one of them, Rick, died in a car crash at the age of 39. Johnny paid a heavy price for the stresses in his personal and professional lives. A heavy smoker from childhood, he was diagnosed with the lung disease emphysema nearly 20 years before his death. This made it increasingly hard for him to breath and took a heavy toll on his heart, culminating in a heart attack in 1999 and his death six years later from respiratory arrest. World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter, re-examines Johnny’s life story and medical history to find out exactly how his emotional and physical health combined to silence this giant of the small screen.

On January 29th, 1977, the world was stunned by the news that the breakout comedy star, Freddie Prinze, had taken his own life at the age of 22. He shot to fame as the star of the primetime sitcom ‘Chico and the Man’ after appearing on The Tonight Show at just 19-years-old. But Freddie struggled to balance his fast rise to fame and fortune with the demands of being a husband and young Father. His recreational drug habit spiraled into full-blown dependence and his behavior became increasingly impulsive and reckless. Too much. Too soon. A life of excess. Did it all become too much to handle for Freddie? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyze every detail in Freddie’s records to piece together what exactly caused this bright, young comic with the world at his feet to take his own life.