Autopsy: The Last Hours of...

Dr. Richard Shepherd investigates the sudden death of Michael Jackson, a renowned recording artist who died at 50 with significant debts, leaving behind many unanswered questions.

The episode highlights Whitney Houston, a talented singer and actress whose remarkable voice led to fame. Despite her talent, she faced personal struggles that ultimately led to her death at 48 in a hotel bathroom.

Dr. Richard Shepherd investigates the death of Anna Nicole Smith, a model who gained fame and fortune through her high-profile relationships and career. Despite her success, her path led to personal struggles that culminated in her death at 40 in a Florida hotel room.

Forensic pathologist Dr. Richard Shepherd reexamines the official autopsy report to investigate the tragic death of singer Michael Hutchence.

Forensic pathologist Dr. Richard Shepherd reexamines the official autopsy report to investigate the tragic death of singer Karen Carpenter.

Forensic pathologist Dr. Richard Shepherd reexamines the death of Hollywood actress and singer Brittany Murphy.

Richard Shepherd presents an investigation into the death of actor River Phoenix, using the official coroner's report.

Dr. Richard Shepherd uses forensic analysis of Elvis Presley's autopsy to reconstruct the last days of his life.

Richard Shepherd takes another look at the murder of OJ Simpson's ex-wife Nicole and her friend Ron Goldman.

Robin Williams was one of the funniest and most gifted comedians of his generation. He burst to prominence in 1978 in the hit TV sitcom Mork & Mindy and won an Oscar for Good Will Hunting in 1997. But just before midday on 11th August 2014, he’s found hanging from a belt secured to a closet door in his home in Tiburon, California. Now, Dr Richard Shepherd is piecing together the events of Robin Williams’ last hours and evidence from the autopsy report to uncover what triggered this suicide.

Richard Shepherd presents an investigation into the death of Marilyn Monroe.

Liberace was one of the most charismatic performers of his generation. His meteoric rise to fame in the 1950s made him the highest paid entertainer in the world. His dazzling stage shows and outlandish costumes earned him a vast international following. But on February 4th, 1987, Liberace was pronounced dead at his home in Palm Springs, California. However, the circumstances surrounding the death of one of the world’s most popular entertainers are shrouded in mystery. Liberace’s doctor had signed a death certificate, giving the cause of death as cardiac arrest. But the coroner wasn’t satisfied. He suspected foul play, and two days later, ordered the body to be taken from the mortuary and subject to autopsy, while millions of fans around the world were still in mourning. So what exactly killed Liberace? Dr Jason Payne James examines the case.

Amy Winehouse was one of the most gifted singer songwriters of her generation. Her multi-award winning album Back to Black has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. Her soulful voice, the raw honesty of her lyrics and witty, down-to-earth personality won the hearts of millions. But at 3.30pm on July 23rd 2011, she was found dead in the bedroom of her home in Camden, North London. At the inquest, the coroner concluded she had died of alcohol poisoning. Using information revealed by her autopsy, testimony heard at the Inquest and eyewitness accounts, Dr Jason Payne James investigates the last days of Amy Winehouse.

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 22 January 2008 Ledger was pronounced dead in the bedroom of his New York apartment. Using the evidence of his post-mortem exam, together with the testimony of friends and colleagues, Dr Jason Payne James investigates the final hours of Heath Ledger.

Following her rise to fame in the 1960s Joan Rivers became the undisputed queen of stand-up comedy. For nearly five decades her unique brand of fast-talking, acid tongued wit made her a fixture on stage and television around the globe. But at 1.17pm on 4th September 2014 Joan was pronounced dead in her hospital room. She was 81. Joan Rivers was known for her love of plastic surgery. But after risking her life on numerous occasions by going under the cosmetic surgeon’s knife, a routine, low-risk procedure was to go tragically wrong. Dr Jason Payne James investigates the last days of Joan Rivers.

Natalie Wood was Hollywood’s hottest actress for her generation. She married screen legend Robert Wagner not once but twice. They were the Hollywood dream couple and enjoyed a spectacular lifestyle. But on November 29th, 1981, during what was supposed to be a relaxed weekend sailing trip, 43 year old Natalie was found dead. The cause of death was officially certified as ‘accidental drowning’ but why Natalie Wood left the yacht and drowned has never been answered: was it accident, suicide or something more sinister? Now medical examiner Dr. Michael Hunter is taking a fresh look at one of Hollywood’s most enduring mysteries.

John Belushi was a comedy genius. The gross-out characters he created in Animal House and Blues Brothers were iconic. After a meteoric rise to stardom, 33 year-old he was on the cusp of super stardom. But on March 5th, 1982 he was found dead died in Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont Hotel. Using information revealed in John Belushi’s autopsy report, Dr. Michael Hunter investigates his final days and hours to reveal the cause of his death.

Jimi Hendrix was one of the highest paid musicians in the world. At the age of 27 he had made 3 multi-million albums and had set the gold standard in rock music electric guitar. But he died in London on the September 18, 1970. The coroner concluded that he died after breathing in his own vomit. But, stating insufficient evidence of the circumstances surrounding his death, he returned an open verdict. Nearly half a century later, his death is still shrouded in mystery. Numerous conflicting accounts of his final hours have obscured the truth and fueled conspiracy theories about drugs overdose, suicide and murder. Now Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Hunter re-examines Hendrix’s death to cut through claim and counter claims and, using the medical evidence, determines precisely how he died.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Florence Henderson, best known as Carol Brady on The Brady Bunch, passed away on November 24, 2016, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles at the age of 82. She had been hospitalized the day before. According to her manager, Kayla Pressman, Henderson died of heart failure. Three days before her death, Henderson had attended the recording of Dancing with the Stars to support her friend and former on-screen daughter Maureen McCormick, who was a contestant. Pressman stated that Henderson's death was a shock as she was not ill prior to her sudden hospitalization.

On December 13, 2016, Alan Thicke collapsed while playing ice hockey with his son at Pickwick Gardens in Burbank, California. Despite joking with his son as he was being wheeled out on a stretcher, Thicke tragically passed away from type-A aortic dissection at the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank at the age of 69.

On March 5, 1988, Gibb celebrated his 30th birthday in London while working on a new album. Two days later, he was admitted to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford due to chest pains. By March 10, 1988, despite the need for further tests, Gibb unexpectedly succumbed to myocarditis, attributed to years of cocaine abuse weakening his heart. His ex-wife, Kim Reeder, expressed no surprise at the news, foreseeing such an outcome due to his history of substance abuse.

Dale Earnhardt, the "Intimidator" of NASCAR, won seven championships with his aggressive driving style before fatally crashing at the 2001 Daytona 500, prompting major safety improvements in the sport.

Uncovering the truth behind the devastating heart failure that killed this 88-year-old actor. 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.

Forensic pathologists investigate the death of WWF's André the Giant.

Forensic pathologists investigate the death of WWF's Eddie Guerrero.

Michael Jackson, "The King of Pop" was the biggest selling recording artist of all time, but when he suddenly died at just 50 years old, he left $400 million in debts, and more questions than answers.

Whitney Houston was a singer, actress, icon and diva with a once in a generation voice that propelled her into the pop stratosphere, but no amount of talent could protect her from the demons that dragged her to her death in a Hollywood hotel bathroom at the age of just 48. 

Anna Nicole Smith was the embodiment of the American dream. Her breast implant-fuelled journey from small town stripper to Playboy pin up, Guess Jeans supermodel and Hollywood movie star captured the public imagination, but it was her marriage to a billionaire 67 years her senior that brought her global notoriety and started her on a downward path that led to her death in a Florida hotel room at the age of just 39. 

Armed with the autopsy report, forensic pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd goes back over the last few days of Robin's life.

Documentary series. Forensic pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd re-examines the death of Nicole Brown Simpson.

River Phoenix was one of the most popular and exciting Hollywood stars of the 1990s. He was young, fit, healthy and supposedly clean-living, so why did he suddenly die in the early hours of 21 October 1993 at the tragically early age of 23? With forensic pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd.

Natalie Wood was Hollywood's hottest actress for her generation. She married screen legend Robert Wagner not once but twice. They were the Hollywood dream couple and enjoyed a spectacular lifestyle. But on November 29th, 1981, during what was supposed to be a relaxed weekend sailing trip, 43 year old Natalie was found dead. The cause of death was officially certified as ‘accidental drowning' but why Natalie Wood left the yacht and drowned has never been answered: was it accident, suicide or something more sinister? Now medical examiner Dr. Michael Hunter is taking a fresh look at one of Hollywood's most enduring mysteries.

An in-depth look into the circumstances surrounding the death of actor Philip Seymour-Hoffman, including his final hours and drug use.

Phil Hartman was a comedy legend. HIs satirical impressions on Saturday Night Live ruffled the feather of America's most powerful. On The Simpsons, his voice gave life to 18 iconic characters. He was one of America's favorite comic actors. But in May 1998 Phil Hartman's family home was stormed by armed police who found him shot to death in his bedroom. The horror escalates when police confirm Phil's wife Brynn is by his side – also shot dead. Using information revealed in Phil and Brynn's autopsy reports Dr. Michael Hunter investigates their tragic and untimely deaths.

Steve McQueen was a legendary actor probably best known for his roles in "The Great Escape,'' "The Magnificent Seven'' and "Bullitt'' but in 1980 he passed away amid rumors and allegations.

An examination of what actually killed Bobbi Kristina Brown.

World-renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter investigates the last hours of Nirvana's lead singer, Kurt Cobain.

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.

An examination of the passing of actor Christopher Reeve.

Rue McClanahan was beloved for playing the sassy Southern Belle, Blanche Devereaux, on the classic show "The Golden Girls." But behind the smiles, Rue's life was blighted by heartbreak, disease and near-death experiences. Her cause of death was reported as a stroke, which is most commonly caused by a blood clot to the brain. Mysteriously, however, Rue was taking the drug Warfarin, which is a powerful anticoagulant medication specifically designed to prevent blood clotting. So why did the actress die of a stroke at the age of 76? World renowned Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyze every detail of the limited information available to piece together the answer.

An examination of the passing of singer Donna Summer, best known for her 1970s career.