Dr. Richard Shepherd investigates the death of Anna Nicole Smith. Her marriage to a billionaire 67 years her senior and becoming a guess and playboy model brought her global fame and fortune she was the most recognizable models of the 90s and started her on a downward path that led to her death in a Florida hotel room at the age of just 40.
The circumstances leading up to the death of child actress from the movie Miracle on 34th Street. Who later went on to become a beloved adult actress and married Robert Wagner twice. Which resulted in a tumultuous marriage, often troubled by infidelity rumours. Was her death accidental or murderous?
The mother of megastar Kanye West, Donda West went from modest beginnings, to raise her son to be one of the biggest rappers in the world, and as his manager, became a regular attendee at the brightest parties in showbiz. In doing so she broke every stereotype about single black women raising black sons. But, on November 10, 2007, Donda West, just 58, died 24 hours after cosmetic surgery. 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." Using information revealed in Donda's autopsy report and in interviews with those who cared for before she died, Dr. Michael Hunter investigates her tragic and untimely death.
Legendary actor Steve McQueen, known for roles in 'The Great Escape', 'The Magnificent Seven', and 'Bullitt', was the world's highest-paid movie star by the mid-1970s. However, he passed away almost unrecognizable in a Mexico hospital bed on November 7, 1980, at the age of 50. His death led to wild rumors and conspiracy theories. Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter investigates Steve's extensive medical records to uncover the truth behind his death and shed light on what truly happened to this iconic star.
In April 1994, musician and "prince of grunge" Kurt Cobain was found dead at his Seattle mansion, with a gunshot wound to his head. Initially ruled a suicide, controversy surrounding his death persisted for over twenty years, with questions raised about the heroin in his system. Expert Coroner and Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter, has analyzed the medical evidence and testimonies from family and friends to uncover the true cause of Kurt Cobain's death.
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, a visionary product designer who revolutionized the computer world with beloved products like the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, passed away on October 5th, 2011, from a rare and easily treatable form of pancreatic cancer. Despite his wealth, resources, and passion for health and diet, questions arise as to why Jobs succumbed to the disease. Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter studies Jobs' medical records to uncover the reasons behind his untimely death.
Janis Joplin, a rock-and-roll icon whose explosive performances electrified audiences around the world, dies alone in her Los Angeles hotel room, on October 4, 1970, at the age of 27.
Examining iconic Hollywood actress Judy Garland, one of the world's most recognized talents, known for her turbulent lifestyle and love life. An in-depth look into the factors involved in Garland's sudden death in 1969.
For more than 40 years, controversy has surrounded the circumstances surrounding the death of martial arts superstar Bruce Lee.
As the adorable Buffy, in the hit 1960s sitcom Cher oncle Bill, 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.
James Gandolfini's acting career takes off, when he stars on "The Sopranos", but his dedication to his craft takes a deep toll on the actor, and rumors of addiction and excess follow him throughout his career.
On the afternoon of April 1, 1984, Marvin Gaye is shot by his father. Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter reopens this bizarre case to discover what was happening psychologically and physiologically to Marvin Gaye and his father.
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 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.
Pop-art maestro Andy Warhol survives assassination by Valerie Solanas, but even he cannot flip death the bird indefinitely.
James Brown was one of the most iconic and revolutionary performers of all time. In 2006 he died unexpectedly.
On Nov. 29, 2001, amid much secrecy, former Beatle George Harrison dies after a short battle with lung cancer; his death at the age of 58 shocks fans across the world, especially since he had recently been given the all clear.
In January 2016, rock music icon David Bowie dies from cancer just two days after his 69th birthday. His death comes as a total surprise but it quickly emerges that Bowie had kept his terminal illness a secret.
On September 12, 2003, the world mourns the loss of legendary singer Johnny Cash, who dies in Nashville, Tennessee, from respiratory arrest at the age of 71, shortly after the death of his wife of 35 years, June Carter.
The last hours of Velvet Underground frontman and art-rock grinch Lou Reed.
In 1973 singer and musician Gram Parsons died in California at only 26 years old. His music combined country, folk, and rock to create his own original sound. Often critically acclaimed, he pioneered his own blend of cosmic American music.
On September 27, 2017, media magnate and international playboy Hugh Hefner dies. His death certificate reports that he died of a cardiac arrest, although he was incredibly fit for a 91-year-old and was still at the head of the Playboy empire.
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.
Forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter, examines Gregg Allman's death certificate and other documents to reveal what was going on inside Allman's body that caused his tragic death.
On March 29th 2016, the world is saddened by the news that American sweetheart, Patty Duke has died. As Hollywood's original child star Duke had been charming audiences for over sixty years.
On Feb. 18, 2001, Dale Earnhardt Sr., one of Nascar's greatest drivers and an icon of the sport, was tragically killed on the last lap of the Daytona 500.
Known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, Andre Roussimoff aka Andre the Giant ruled professional wrestling during the 1970s and 1980s using his extraordinary physique at 7'4" tall and weight of 500lbs to become rich and eventually a star in Hollywood. But his size haunted him throughout his life and his untimely passing at age 46 prompted questions about his rare hormonal condition known as acromegaly. Dr. Hunter discusses Andre's remarkable career in which he pushed his body to its limits and the enormous stress his size and lifestyle had on his health.
A wrestling superstar known for his tireless showmanship during his 20-year career is Eddie Guerrero, whose iconic 'Latino Heat' persona won the hearts of millions of fans. Considered by many as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, Guerrero's death at age 38 stunned the wrestling world. Dr. Hunter delves into his passing by reviewing his medical history, including his troubling addiction to opioid pain medication and the toll it took on his body.
On November 30 2013, the sad news was announced that the star of Hollywood action franchise 'Fast and Furious' Paul Walker had died. In a tragic twist of fate, the 40 year-old heartthrob had passed away in a high speed car accident. The ultimate action hero, who was 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 Harbor veteran turned boxing champion and his father was a Purple Heart recipient. Ironically, ocean-lover Paul was a reluctant film star who had seen acting as a means to finance his passion for surfing. But at age 25, the arrival of his daughter Meadow forced Paul to challenge his Mormon LDS 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 pa
On Friday, August 28, 2020, the heroic 'Black Panther' star Chadwick Boseman died at home surrounded by his family at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. He was just 43 years old. Dr. Michael Hunter analyzes the available medical evidence to find out how this highly-admired actor lived and died. Dr. Hunter also explores firsthand accounts from Boseman's life, to explain how Boseman managed to overcome the childhood traumas of homicide and racism, to shine bright, but briefly, as a superstar and spokesperson for Black rights.
On March 31, 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? Dr. Hunter analyzes all the available medical details to offer insight into the death of Bruce Lee.
John William Carson (October 23, 1925 - January 23, 2005) was an American television host, comedian, writer and producer. He is best known as the host of 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' (1962-1992). Dr. Hunter analyzes all the available medical details to offer insight into the death of Johnny Carson.
Frederick James Prinze (born Frederick Karl Pruetzel) (June 22, 1954 - January 29, 1977) was an American stand-up comedian and actor. Prinze was the star of the NBC-TV sitcom 'Chico and the Man' from 1974 until his suicide in 1977 at age 22. Dr. Hunter analyzes all the available medical details to offer insight into the untimely death of Freddie Prinze.
Vernon, Connecticut: Richard Dabate, aka Rick Dabate, now age 46, was convicted in May 2022 for the December 2015 murder of his wife, Connie Dabate, after digital evidence from her digital Fitbit watch tracker contradicted his alibi. He was sentenced to 65 years in prison. Judge Corinne L. Klatt called his actions, "brutal, calculated, incomprehensible." Dr. Hunter investigates this murder.