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Private Notes
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.
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 the afternoon of April 1, 1984, the day before his 45th birthday, Marvin Gaye was shot by his father. Now renowned forensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter is reopening this bizarre case to discover what was happening both psychologically and physiologically to the bodies of Marvin Gay senior and Marvin Gaye junior at the time of the shooting that may explain the reason behind this tragic case of filicide.
Mary Tyler Moore was the sweetheart of American television, starring in two of the most successful sit-coms of all time. She paved the way for strong, independent women on screen and captured the era’s spirit of freedom and optimism. But behind the iconic smile was a life beset by tragedy, illness and addiction. On January 25th, 2017, Mary died of a cardiac arrest in Greenwich Hospital, Connecticut – at the age of 80. Now renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter is investigating the events leading up to her final heartbeat to explain the cause of death.
On June 25, 2009, actress and 1970’s icon, Farrah Fawcett died of a rare form of cancer in Los Angeles. Her death at 62 shocked her fans, friends and family as Farrah didn’t smoke, ate healthy food and worked hard to keep fit. In this episode, expert coroner and Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter examines Farrah’s medical history and hears from some of her closest friends to try and work out what caused Farrah’s cancer and if the alternative cancer treatments she received played any part in her death.
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.
Andy Warhol rose to fame in the 1960s as the trail-blazing leader of the pop art movement. He was on the cutting edge of everything – from painting to film, from sculpture to music – and his images and ideas helped define American popular culture. Yet even as he achieved superstardom he remained an enigmatic and controversial figure. On February 22nd 1987, the most famous living artist died unexpectedly in a New York hospital, at the age of 58. Now renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter is reopening the case into Andy Warhol’s mysterious death.
Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest boxers the world has ever known. Over a career spanning 21 years he became the heavyweight champion of the world an incredible three times .But on June 3, 2016 Muhammed Ali died after a long battle with Parkinson’s. But Parkinson’s is not fatal. So what killed him? Some believe Muhammad Ali fought for too long. Now, forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter is reexamining the case to see what brought about the end of this one world-class athlete.
In September 1991 the legendary Jazz trumpet player Miles Davis died suddenly after going in to hospital for what he described as a ‘routine tune up’. He was just 65 years old. Rumors of addiction and ill health plagued him throughout life, but the exact cause of his death has remained obscure. Now, expert Coroner and Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter is re-examining his medical history in order to finally reveal the true cause of Miles Davis’ death.
James Brown was one of the most iconic and revolutionary performers of all time. He was known as the ‘Godfather of Soul’, ‘the Inventor of Funk’, ‘the Grandfather of Hip-Hop’ and ‘the Hardest Working Man in Show Business’ and he sold tens of millions of records. After decades at the top, the most sampled man in history was still touring in his 70s but on Christmas Day 2006 he died unexpectedly in a hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Now renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter is reopening the case into James Brown’s seemingly death.
On July 29th 1974, Cass Elliot was found dead in a flat in London. She was 32 years old and her death shocked the world. One of the most influential figures of the hippy scene, she rose to fame as a member of folk-rock band The Mamas and The Papas, who took the world by storm with their hit single ‘California Dreamin’ along with a string of classic songs. Cass was loved and respected by everyone who knew her and her voice made her famous world-wide. Frank Sinatra once sent her a personal note saying “you have the best phrasing of any singer I’ve ever heard”. Redefining perceptions of how female artists should look and behave, she became a role model and icon for every girl that didn’t fit in at the high school prom. But her appetites for excess were as legendary as her voice. At her worst, she would get into her big convertible Cadillac and drive into the worst parts of town to score drugs. And her rollercoaster career was matched by an equally turbulent personal life. Her death was followed by speculation and rumour, had she choked on a ham sandwich? Had she overdosed on drugs? Was the cause of her death covered up in some way? The official verdict at the time was that she had died from fatty myocardial degeneration due to obesity. However it’s rare for someone of 32 to die from that alone. World renowned Medical Examiner Dr Michael Hunter believes there were other factors at play and is taking a fresh look at the evidence to uncover the truth behind what killed Cass Elliot.
In September 1955, the twenty-four-year-old actor and figurehead of teen rebellion, 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 as Dean was an accomplished racing driver travelling 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 real cause of James Dean’s death.
On March 23, 2011, actress and Hollywood legend, Elizabeth Taylor, died of a cardiac arrest in Los Angeles. Her death at 79 caused shock waves around the world at the loss of one of the world’s last great movie stars. Despite her glittering career, Elizabeth Taylor’s life had been blighted by ill health, tragedy and failed marriages leading to addictions to alcohol and prescription drugs. In this episode, expert Coroner and Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter examines Elizabeth Taylor’s extensive medical history to try and discover what caused the death of this Hollywood icon.
George Michael was one of the most brilliant performers of his generation. In a career spanning 35 years, his talent for creating enduring music led him to become one of the greatest recording artists of all time. Following global fame with the pop group Wham!, his solo career sent him into the stratosphere and for a time, it seemed, he was unstoppable. But the death of both his lover and mother, along with the pressures of hiding his homosexuality, resulted in severe depression. Away from public view, this gifted star hid a tortured soul. He would sit at home with the curtains closed, ingesting all kinds of chemicals and alcohol – numbing himself to the pain that never went away. A string of lurid headlines documented a slide into self-destruction, which only ended with his untimely death, at the age of 53. It was attributed to natural causes, but rumour and suspicion that other forces were at play persist. Dr. Michael Hunter investigates what was going on in the singer’s body that caused him to die so suddenly, at such a young age.
On 29th November 2001 amid much secrecy former Beatle George Harrison died after a short battle with lung cancer. His death at the relatively young age of 58 shocked fans across the world, especially since he had been allegedly been given the all clear just months earlier.… so did something go wrong? In this episode, expert coroner and Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter examines George’s medical history and hears from some of his close friends to try and work out what caused his cancer and if his lifestyle and career contributed in any way to his death.
In January 2016 rock music icon David Bowie died from cancer just 2 days after his 69th birthday. His death came as a total surprise – but it quickly emerged that Bowie had kept terminal illness a secret for 18 months from even his closest friends. Now, Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter is taking a fresh look at David Bowie’s death and will reveal the truth about the cancer that killed him and how Bowie staged managed the perfect finale for this ultimate showman.
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.
Provocative and iconic rock star Lou Reed star transformed the face of modern music. From his teens, the founder member of the seminal Velvet Underground lived a life of outrageous excess, pushing everything beyond the limit. His fascination with subculture and the underdogs of society inspired his work, most famously with songs such as Heroin, Walk on The Wild Side and Waiting For The Man. Though he practiced what he preached, Lou lived to the age of 71. Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Hunter has found evidence of events in Lou’s early life that fueled the rebellious tendencies which defined his life and ultimately caused his death.
On September 19th 1973, singer and musician, Gram Parsons, died of drug toxicity at the Joshua Tree Inn, California, aged only 26. Gram Parsons was one of the great, lost talents of rock music - combining country, folk and rock to create his own original sound. Often critically acclaimed, he pioneered his own blend of cosmic American music. But during his short life, he became almost as famous for his drug and drink consumption as he did for his music. Now, Forensic Pathologist Dr Michael Hunter is taking a fresh look at Gram Parsons autopsy and will reveal why such a seasoned drug user could have suddenly met his end on that night at the Joshua Tree Inn.
Roy Orbison was one of the most influential rock stars of the Twentieth Century. With hits like "Pretty Woman" he was one of the most influential rock stars of the Twentieth Century. He died at age 52 after collapsing at his mother’s house.
Florence Ballard was the founding member of the popular Motown vocal female group the Supremes. Ballard sang on 16 top forty singles with the group, including ten number-one hits. After being removed from the Supremes in 1967, Ballard tried an unsuccessful solo career. Ballard struggled with alcoholism, depression, and poverty for three years. She was making an attempt for a musical comeback when she died of a heart attack in February 1976 at the age of 32.
Christopher John Cornell was an American musician, singer and songwriter. He was best known as the lead vocalist for the rock bands Soundgarden and Audioslave. Cornell was considered one of the chief architects of the 1990s grunge movement, and is well known for his extensive catalog as a songwriter, his nearly four-octave vocal range, and his powerful vocal belting technique. Cornell struggled with depression for much of his life. He was found dead in his Detroit hotel room early on the morning of May 18, 2017, after performing at a Soundgarden concert an hour earlier.
On September 27th, 2017, Media Magnate, and International Playboy Hugh Hefner or Hef as he liked to be known died at the world-famous Playboy Mansion in Beverley Hills. Hef’s death certificate reports that he died of a cardiac arrest. But he was incredibly fit for a 91-year old, still at the head of the Playboy Empire, and hosting huge Hollywood parties. So what happened? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr Michael Hunter needs to analyze every detail in the limited available information to piece together what was really going on Hef’s body to find the answers.
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.
Actress, Carrie Fisher died on December 27th 2016, four days after losing consciousness on a transatlantic flight. She was the daughter of Hollywood royalty, best known for playing Princess Leia in the Star Wars films. But she had a dark side and wrote a series of best-selling books about her battles with addiction although she was thought to be drug free before she died. In this episode world renowned forensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter unpacks Carrie Fisher's unusually inconclusive official cause of death which is listed as ‘undetermined factors'. What really caused Carrie's death at the relatively young age of 60?
Forensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter investigates Barry White's medical history to get to the bottom of what caused his untimely death.
