Autopsy: The Last Hours of... Season 8, Episode 13: Rick James

Christopher Reeve

Christopher Reeve, known for his iconic role as Superman, passed away on October 10th, 2004, prompting worldwide mourning. Following a paralyzing horse riding accident in 1995, Reeve became a symbol of resilience and advocacy for the disabled community. Despite initial reports citing heart failure as the cause of death, conflicting accounts, including a potential allergic reaction to a drug, emerged. Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter delves into Reeve's life, utilizing reports and firsthand information to uncover the truth behind the circumstances surrounding the passing of America's Superman.

42 min

Rue McClanahan

Rue McClanahan, known for her role as Blanche Devereaux on "The Golden Girls," faced personal challenges despite her on-screen charm. Her reported cause of death was a stroke, typically caused by a blood clot to the brain. Interestingly, Rue was taking Warfarin, an anticoagulant meant to prevent clotting. The mystery behind her death at age 76 prompts forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter to meticulously analyze the available information for answers.

42 min

Donna Summer

Donna Summer, the Queen of Disco, passed away on May 17th, 2012, at her home in Naples, Florida, after a career spanning nearly 40 years. Despite her strict religious upbringing, she became known for her provocative disco music created with producer Giorgio Moroder. Donna's battle with cancer was kept private, with her death coming as a surprise to many, including extended family members. The family's announcement of what they believed to be the true cause of her death added to the mystery surrounding her passing. Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter meticulously examines the limited available information to uncover the truth behind Donna Summer's untimely death.

42 min

John Candy

John Candy, the beloved comedy actor known for his larger-than-life personality and weight struggles, died in Durango, Mexico while filming Wagons East on March 4th, 1994. Despite the official cause listed as a heart attack, questions persist about the circumstances surrounding his passing at age 43. Renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter investigates to uncover the truth behind Candy's untimely death.

42 min

Lucille Ball

On April 26th, 1989, Lucille Ball passed away in a Los Angeles hospital, devastating fans worldwide. Her iconic career, highlighted by the groundbreaking show 'I Love Lucy,' made her a global sensation. Despite being in great health just weeks prior, the 77-year-old actress succumbed to a rare aortic rupture. Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter delves into Ball's medical records, death certificate, and personal accounts to unravel the mystery behind her sudden and tragic death.

42 min

Jeff Conaway

On May 27th, 2011, actor Jeff Conaway, known for his role as Kenickie in Grease, passed away, prompting sadness worldwide. Despite a successful five-decade career, Conaway faced publicized struggles with addiction. Speculation arose in the media suggesting an overdose as the cause of death. However, after a thorough examination of Conaway's autopsy report, forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter explores various potential factors contributing to his untimely demise, shedding light on the true circumstances surrounding his death.

42 min

Lisa Left Eye Lopes

Dr. Michael Hunter looks at the last three weeks in the life of Lisa "Left -Eye" Lopes to try to work out how and why she was killed. On April 25th 2002, Lisa "Left -Eye" Lopes was killed in a mysterious car crash in the depths of the Honduran Jungle. She was one third of the successful girl band TLC. 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.

42 min

Howard Hughes

Howard Hughes, the legendary business magnate and Hollywood figure, passed away at 70 on April 5th, 1976. Known for his groundbreaking achievements in aviation, film production, and business, Hughes founded notable companies, acquired RKO Pictures and TWA, and dated Hollywood stars. Despite immense wealth, Hughes withdrew from the public eye in his later years, facing health issues. Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter investigates Hughes' extensive autopsy to uncover the truth behind his enigmatic death.

42 min

Bruce Lee

For more than 40 years, controversy has surrounded the circumstances surrounding the death of martial arts superstar Bruce Lee

42 min

Michael Clarke Duncan

Michael Clarke Duncan's sudden death from a heart attack at 54 in 2012 sparks conspiracy theories addressed by The Doctors.

42 min

Davy Jones

Davy gained global recognition for his acting and singing abilities, becoming the first of four cast members in the quirky TV series "The Monkees" at just 19 years old.

42 min

Luther Vandross

Luther Vandross, a shining star in the music industry during the 80s and 90s, experienced a career downturn in the 90s. However, he was on the path to a successful comeback in the early 2000s when he suffered a massive stroke.

42 min

Aaron Hernandez

In 2015, Aaron Hernandez was convicted of murdering Odin Lloyd, his fiancée's sister's boyfriend. While serving a life sentence, he was discovered dead in his prison cell at 3:03 am on April 19, 2017.

Chyna

After departing from WWE, Chyna's life spiraled downward due to drug and alcohol abuse, leading to infamy. Following a mysterious four-year exile in Japan, she returned to the US with the intention of reinventing herself.

Garry Shandling

Garry Shandling's sudden death at 66 surprised his fans and the entertainment industry. Throughout his career, he received over 60 awards or nominations, including Emmys, for his self-analytical and self-deprecating humor.

Gregg Allman

Dr. Michael Hunter, a forensic pathologist, investigates Greg Allman's death certificate and related documents to determine the internal factors that led to his untimely passing.

Mobb Deep’s Prodigy

Dr. Hunter delves into Prodigy's lifelong struggle with sickle cell anemia to uncover the circumstances surrounding his death.