Autopsy: The Last Hours of... Season 7, Episode 21: Florence Ballard

Chris Farley

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.

42 min

Mindy McCready

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.

42 min

Marvin Gaye

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.

42 min

Mary Tyle Moore

Radio legend Casey Kasem passed age 82 in June 2014. He had severe dementia. But when his daughters visited him a Santa Monica convalescent hospital five weeks before his death his medical records show there was nothing to suggest his imminent demise. That night his wife removed him from the facility against medical advice. World-renowned forensic pathologist Dr.Michael Hunter investigates the tragic events leading up to his death to determine precisely how and why he died.

42 min

Farrah Fawcett

In April 1994, the twenty seven year old musician and self styled prince of grunge, Kurt Cobain was found dead at his Seattle mansion with a gunshot wound to his head. A suicide note was found at the scene and the police quickly concluded that Kurt had taken his own life. But for more than twenty years controversy has raged over the cause of Kurt’s death with many claiming he had too much heroin in his system to have shot himself. Expert Coroner and Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter has examined all the available medical evidence and with testimony from family and friends to finally reveal the real cause of Kurt Cobain’s death.

42 min

Andy Kaufman

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

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

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.

Miles Davis

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

John Denver was a legendary singer songwriter whose talent for writing and performing hit singles made him a global superstar. From ‘Country Roads’ to ‘Rocky Mountain High’ to ‘Annie’s Song’ by the mid 70s he was one of America's biggest selling artists. He wrote around 200 songs and sold over 35 million albums. But on the afternoon of the 12th October 1997, experienced pilot John Denver crashed his plane into the Pacific Ocean. This unexplained disaster fuelled rumour and speculation and the investigation was fraught with difficulties as only fragments of John Denver’s plane and parts of his body were recovered from the sea. Now renowned forensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter is reopening the case into John Denver’s mysterious death.

42 min

Tammy Wynette

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.

42 min

James Dean

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42 min

Elizabeth Taylor

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42 min

George Michael

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42 min

David Bowie

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42 min

Johnny Cash

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42 min

Lou Reed

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42 min

Gram Parsons

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42 min

Roy Orbison

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42 min

Chris Cornell

The life and death of Christopher John Cornell, best known as the lead vocalist for the Soundgarden and Audioslave.

42 min

Hugh Hefner

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42 min

Tammy Wynette

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42 min