Watch Autopsy: The Last Hours Of...

Verne Troyer, the much-loved diminutive star, adored by millions who played Dr. Evil’s pint-sized sidekick, Mini-Me in the hugely successful Austin Powers franchise died at the tender age of 49. His death was ruled as a suicide, attributed to alcohol intoxication. But was his death really a suicide or a tragic accident? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter, investigates all the medical evidence to unravel the truth behind Verne Troyer’s tragical early death, to uncover some startling revelations.

On February 27th, 2015, Leonard Nimoy -- the actor famed for bringing us the half-human, half-Vulcan character, Spock -- died of COPD at the age of 83. Born in Boston’s West End to Russian Jewish emigres, 17-year-old Leonard went against his parents’ wishes, and pursued a career as an actor. Over the next 16 years, whilst supporting his young family, he became the ultimate bit-part actor, mostly playing the bad guys. And then came Star Trek. Driven to succeed, Leonard put everything he had into the character of Spock, and never stopped working for the next two decades -- much to the detriment of his family and his health. COPD is known as a smoker’s disease, but smoking is by no means the only cause. And Dr Michael Hunter is using first-hand accounts of Leonard’s life to unpack the truth behind the character traits and lifestyle choices that ultimately caused the pop culture icon’s death.

On May 8th 2020, the entertainment world was rocked by the news that legendary Las Vegas illusionist Roy Horn had become a victim to the coronavirus pandemic. As one half of Siegfried and Roy, he was the animal-tamer who helped re-invent the magic act as multi-million-dollar spectacle. It was during a traumatic childhood in post-war Germany that Roy developed a unique ability to communicate with animals. In partnership with budding magician Siegfried, he took his talent to the stage, and the pair developed a live act that starred cheetahs, lions and tigers. They went from touring the clubs of Europe, to scoring their own headline residency as the hottest act in Vegas. They performed over 30,000 shows, becoming one of the most successful live acts of all time, and the official ‘Magicians of the Century’. But in 2003 tragedy struck, when Roy was mauled onstage and almost killed by one of his tigers. He was left permanently paralysed, but his strength to survive and recover from the incident was heralded as close to miraculous. Then, at the age of 75, he died from complications due to coronavirus. It’s a highly contagious disease, but has a low mortality rate, and 94 per cent of those who die have at least one other pre-existing health condition. So what made Roy’s infection turn fatal? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyse every detail in the limited available information to piece together what else was going on in his body to find the answers.

On September 4th 2006 Australian zookeeper and wildlife expert Steve Irwin was tragically killed while filming an underwater documentary on the Great Barrier Reef. Steve had won global notoriety as the ‘Crocodile Hunter’, handling deadly snakes, toxic reptiles, and apex predators on programmes watched by an estimated worldwide audience of 500 million. But the world was shocked to learn that, at the age of just 44, the seemingly invincible conservationist, had been killed by a creature not known for being aggressive or dangerous; a stingray. Now, world renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter is investigating what led one of the world’s most iconic wildlife experts to be killed by an otherwise docile animal?

A Kate Spade handbag has been one of the world’s most desired fashion accessories. Kate was the fun-loving and exuberant fashion journalist who created an international fashion empire. Despite no formal design training, she mocked up her first handbags from tracing paper. Then, she and husband Andy, took those designs, and created a fledgling business. They grew from their small Manhattan apartment to stores and offices worldwide. They expanded from handbags to shoes, women’s wear, accessories and stationary. In 2006 they sold the company and settled down to have a family. But Kate also nursed a secret. She was prone to anxiety and depression. Her mental health deteriorated to the point that, she took her own life by hanging on June 6th 2018. She died in her apartment alone, aged 55. It was a tragic end to a life, and all the more tragic as it was preventable. Now, in this heartfelt and empathetic episode, forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter investigates the mystery of Kate’s darkness that caused her to end it all.

On March 4th, 2019, the much-loved actor Luke Perry died after suffering a massive, and totally unexpected, stroke. He was just 52 years old. Born in an Ohio backwater, Luke learned to appreciate the simple things in life, but his desire to escape small-town living took him to California. There, after years scraping a living, Luke hit the big time when he landed the role of bad-boy Dylan McKay in the hit teen TV series ‘Beverly Hills 90210’. Idolised by millions around the world, Luke never succumbed to his celebrity status. A humble, generous & talented actor, who loved a quiet family life, Luke was far from a ‘live hard, die young’ cliché. Dr. Michael Hunter uses Luke’s Death certificate and first-hand accounts of Luke’s life to uncover the mystery behind what may have caused the catastrophic stroke that killed this healthy, active 52-year-old actor.

On September 13th, 1982, Princess Grace of Monaco, Grace Kelly, drove her old Rover 3500 car off the edge of a mountain road above the famous principality. She died in hospital the following day, aged just 52. The crash brought to an end a life lived almost entirely in the public eye; first as the iconic star of some of Hollywood’s best loved movies and then as the wife of Prince Rainier, ruler of the tiny Mediterranean enclave. In the wake of Grace Kelly’s death it proved hard to get at the truth of what had actually happened. A police investigations encountered obstacles and the Palace appeared to close ranks. It was said that Grace had suffered a stroke at the wheel and this married with her family history of high blood pressure, a thing little understood at the time. But what is the truth of Grace Kelly’s final hours? Conspiracy theories multiplied in the vacuum left by the Palace’s silence. World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr Michael Hunter analyses the details of this fascinating case to discover the answer.

Sir Roger Moore died of liver cancer in 2017 at the age of 89. The famously modest and unassuming British actor had been many people’s favourite James Bond. Where Sean Connery had played 007 straight, Roger had played him for laughs. He’d identified the joke at the heart of the role, James Bond, the secret agent so familiar that everybody knows his favourite drink. For Roger Moore, Bond was a parody or he was nothing. But Roger’s swashbuckling, devil-may-care Bond had belied a life of serious health problems. He was not as robust as the movie image of indestructibility suggested. Roger’s life story read like a medical textbook with major ailments at every turn. It had started with near terminal double-pneumonia at the age of five, the doctor had told his father he’d be back in the morning with a death certificate. The son of a south London policeman, Roger had been forced to reinvent himself at RADA, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, after being told that his cockney accent wouldn’t do. This, coupled with his father’s advice to remember that success might be short lived fostered in him a sense of life’s precariousness. His international standard hypochondria and almost pathological self-deprecation were the consequence. His critics described his acting as wooden and shallow and deep down, he probably agreed with them. But as his friend, Sir Michael Caine says, making it look easy is the hardest thing. Sir Roger had made friends wherever he had gone, and long before the end of his life had been elevated to the status of National Treasure without ever quite understanding how. World-renowned forensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter analyses the details of this fascinating case to unearth the truth behind Sir Roger Moore’s death. He had suffered years of ill health and fought three different types of cancer but had somehow made it to the age of 89. Maybe there had been more 007 in Sir Roger Moore than he had let on.

On Christmas Day 1995, Dean Martin, nicknamed the “King of Cool”, died at the age of 78, leaving behind a five decade legacy in music, movies, and television. Dean Martin started life in the limelight as a crooner in local bars and clubs, but quickly shot to international stardom as a singer, releasing over 30 albums, and even knocking The Beatles off the top spot in the charts with his hit rendition of “Everybody Loves Somebody Sometimes.” He started his acting character as one half of the comedy duo, “Martin and Lewis” with Jerry Lewis, but after 10 years he cut ties and decided to go it alone. He subsequently starred in more than 40 movies, from Westerns with John Wayne to Oceans 11 with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Junior, with whom he would join forces in movies, on stage and television. The press dubbed them “The Rat Pack”. Dean went on to host his very own TV show, “The Dean Martin Show”, which earned him a Golden Globe award for Best Male Television Star. But 50 years in the limelight took its toll on this popular entertainer. He chain smoked his whole life and was a drinking man, even using alcohol as a prop for a convincing “drunky” stage persona. However, one tragic moment in 1987 would see Dean Martin’s life unravel. During the last 8 years of his life his alcohol intake spiralled out of control and he became dependent on opioid painkillers. He died at the age 78 of respiratory arrest. As a lifelong smoker he developed Emphysema and later, lung cancer. However, world renowned forensic pathologist, Dr Michael Hunter doesn’t think this is the whole story. He needs to delve deep into Dean Martin’s records to discover whether there was, in fact, something else going on in Dean’s body that contributed to his eventual demise.

On May 14th 1998 the world was saddened by news that the singer and actor Frank Sinatra had died. Arguably the most popular entertainer of the 20th century, he had been at the forefront of the american consciousness for 60 years by the time of his death from heart attack. He overcame birth trauma and a chaotic and lonely childhood to win the hearts of people around the world with his emotional delivery of songs, and his charismatic performances on screen. A heart-throb, Frank was the embodiment of sex appeal, but that didn’t mean he escaped the traumas of love. His second marriage to Ava Gardner ended following infidelity, and several suicide attempts by Frank. At around this time in his life he started drinking Jack Daniels, a habit which would result in a decades long alcohol dependency. He also smoked and had a famously short temper. When he died at age 82 of a heart attack, the causes of his heart failure appeared transparent. But Dr Michael Hunter believes that Frank’s fate was far from inevitable, and that there was an event in Frank’s life which could have caused him to turn his life around.

Examining over 700 pages of original police reports together with crime scene photographs and video to try and work out who would have wanted Bob Crane dead. Some believe his brutal divorce battle had something to do with it, others that the mob had got to him, but everyone agreed Bob's addiction to sex and filming his own sex tapes had something to do with it. On the afternoon of June 29th, 1978, "Hogan's Heroes" star Bob Crane's body was discovered bludgeoned to death.

Investigating what may have caused the 62-year-old expert skier to lose control and crash. On January 5, 1998, Congressman Sonny Bono died, after crashing head-first into a tree on a family skiing vacation. Born in Detroit to Italian parents, Sonny was the visionary behind the iconic pop duo and Tv stars, Sonny and Cher. After an acrimonious split from Cher, Sonny, a born risk-taker, never looked back.

Actress Elizabeth Montgomery became a global household name for playing Samantha, the nose-twitching witch in TV series “Bewitched”. She was born into acting nobility. Her father was the acclaimed actor Robert Montgomery who was twice academy nominated. Despite his early misgivings about her becoming an actress, he embraced her onto his TV drama show. His old-school resolute attitude influenced her entire life. Highly motivated, Elizabeth went on to have a successful and diverse acting career spanning 4 decades. She was nominated for 9 EMMYs and 4 Golden Globes. On May 18th 1995, Elizabeth unexpectedly died at the age of 64, after a short battle with colon cancer. She appeared to only experience 6 weeks of pain, before a biopsy proved her cancer had reached stage IV. It had spread to her liver and lungs with disastrous repercussions. Strangely, it is a disease that should be easy to treat and prevent. This episode investigates and uncovers the tragic and harrowing chain of events that resulted in this much loved star passing away too early.

Andy was notoriously private, and very little is known about what happened, or the state of his health in the last few years of his life. Dr Hunter will be analysing every detail in the available information, to piece together what led to his demise. In a career spanning almost seventy years, he had charmed audiences as an actor, comedian and recording artist. But it was his performance as Sheriff Andy Taylor, in The Andy Griffith Show, that catapulted him into the hearts of Americans everywhere. Beloved for this character’s gentle kindness and good humour, audiences believed he was their friend and father figure. But the public perception of Andy was at odds with who he was. Friends recall a Jekyll and Hyde personality and a man who became increasingly reclusive. Andy’s death certificate states that he died as a result of a heart attack, after years of suffering from other illnesses. Dr Hunter’s investigation builds up a picture of a man whose private habits and behaviours left him susceptible to heart disease in multiple ways. Though his death, at 86, may not have come as a surprise, what did raise eyebrows was the fact that he was buried in the grounds of his home within four and a half hours of the 911 call alerting the emergency services that he was unresponsive. As part of his investigation Dr Hunter will uncover whether this bears any significance on the manner in which he died.

On May 15th 2003, June Carter Cash died in a Nashville hospital following complications from heart surgery. A devoted wife and mother, June’s life in the limelight was not without its troubles. Despite her enormous success as a country music artist, it was her tumultuous 35 year marriage to country superstar Johnny Cash that dominated her life. In this episode, renowned forensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter analyses June’s records and first hand accounts to determine exactly how she died.

Known affectionately as “The Last Great Rockstar”, grunge icon Scott Weiland died on December 3rd, 2015. The singer and songwriter was just 48. his death came suddenly while on the road with his new band The Wildabouts. Scott sold over 20 million records as lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots, and super-group Velvet Revolver, and he famously lived the rockstar lifestyle to the full. As sales skyrocketed he indulged in all the excesses that come with success in the music business, but all the time he was battling alcoholism and mental illness. At the height of his career he developed a devastating heroin addiction, and towards the end of his life his behaviour became increasingly unpredictable and erratic. The Examiner’s Report cites mixed drug toxicity as the cause of death

At 09:50am on August 16, 2018 Aretha Franklin tragically died, aged 76. Aretha will endure as one of the world’s greatest ever vocalists, who entertained us for over 50 years with her unique brand of gospel, soul and pop music. Her genius reached into many diverse genres of music, and she wrote and produced some of the most enduring classics of modern times, setting the bar for modern vocalists. Renowned for her generosity, Aretha stood for civil rights worldwide, and gave voice to the struggles of millions of people. A fiercely private woman, Aretha overcame her own childhood trauma and had to face tragedy and heartbreak throughout her life as she battled with booze, cigarettes and her diet. Aretha was always a fighter, and she bravely resisted the rare but treatable cancer that finally took her life. So how did she come to have this fatal disease? Dr Michael Hunter, world renowned medical examiner, will investigate and analyse all the available evidence; Aretha’s medical history and first hand accounts from her life, to find out what caused the deadly cancer that took such an incredible icon’s life.

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On December 28th, 2016, Debbie Reynolds died, just one day after the death of her daughter, the actress and writer Carrie Fisher. It is discussed whether the shock of her daughter's death played a part.

On July 1st, 2004, Marlon Brando died. The cause of death on his death certificate was stated as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was also diagnosed with congestive heart failure, obesity, diabetes, and an enlarged liver indicating the presence of cancer that may have contributed to the disease that eventually killed Brando.

Dr. Michael Hunter analyses the crucial details of Burt Reynolds troubled life to find out what had happened to reduce this former Hollywood hunk to a hunched, unsteady figure, and could it provide vital clues to his eventual death.

Dr. Michael Hunter investigates the life and death of TV Pitchman Billy Mays and uncovers some surprising hidden and controversial truths.

Dr. Michael Hunter analyzes key moments from Dick Clark's life and his medical history, in order to investigate and find the answers as to why Dick died shortly after what should have been a simple procedure.

Dr. Michael Hunter investigates Walt Disney's last days, weeks and months to find out what caused the death of this global icon.

Exploring what might have led to actor Larry Hagman's death in November 2012.

A look into the life and untimely death of actor David Cassidy.

Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter investigates the final days of Gilda Radner's life, as well as her tragic death.

An examination of the final hours and sudden death of beloved television star John Ritter.

Bill Bixby was a legendary actor, director and producer who starred in hit shows for four decades with My Favorite Martian in the 1960s, The Courtship of Eddie's Father in the 1970s, The Incredible Hulk in the 1980s and Blossom in the 1990s. But his celebrated performances hid a life of heartache and in his final three years he tried to mask his suffering from prostate cancer. At the time this was a disease that killed a very small percentage of those diagnosed and now renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter investigates why this seemingly fit and healthy man died from such a treatable illness at the age of just 59.

With an acting career spanning more than 50 years Adam West, who played the original and classic Batman in the hit 1960s TV series, was a Hollywood legend. He was also acclaimed for his starring role in the animated series Family Guy from the 1990s until his death in 2017. He died just days after being diagnosed with the blood and bone cancer Leukemia. With timely treatment some Leukemia patients can live for five years or more after a diagnosis so what happened to West? Using his death certificate alongside testimonies of those who knew him renowned pathologist Dr Michael Hunter sifts through evidence from West's life to find the answer.

On March 29, 2016 the world was saddened by the news that American sweetheart Patty Duke had died. As Hollywood's original child star she had been charming audiences for more than 60 years. Duke overcame a childhood of deprivation and abuse to become a household name and in 1963 she became the then youngest actress to win an Academy Award(R) for her career-defining role as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker. She went on to star in The Patty Duke Show delighting TV audiences playing identical twin cousins. It seemed nothing could stop her but in her late teens Duke's life began to unravel. She drank heavily, spent money wildly and became promiscuous. Sadly, she also attempted suicide many times. Duke was diagnosed with a mental illness in her mid-30s and once under control she became a pioneering spokeswoman for mental health issues for the rest of her life. She died at the age of 69 of complications due to a ruptured intestine. Intestinal ruptures are considered rare and with surgical intervention there's a reasonable survival rate so what really happened to Duke? Renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter analyzes every detail in Duke's limited health information available to piece together what else was going on in her body to find answers.

Desi Arnaz was famous for playing the beloved character Ricky Ricardo in the 1950s TV series I Love Lucy. Nearly 30 years later in the early hours of December 2, 1986 Arnaz died at 69 years old. Born in Cuba, Arnaz and his family exiled to Miami following the 1933 revolution when he was just 16 years old. Starting from zero his drive to succeed saw Arnaz rise to fame and attract attention as the bongo-playing leader of a Latin orchestra. With his charisma and boyish good looks he soon won the heart of up and coming movie star Lucille Ball. Together they would change the face of TV with I Love Lucy and later form their own production company Desilu where Arnaz became one of the most powerful people in the TV industry. But did his meteoric success and relentless work habits play a part in his downfall? Now, forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter uses the death certificate, first-hand reports and access to vast archives to uncover the facts behind the sad demise of Arnaz and what really led to his passing.

Multi millionaire a convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein is found dead in his presence so while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking of minors; his death is designated as a suicide by hanging but the truth maybe stranger than fiction

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Dr. Michael Hunter analyzes key moments from Audrey Hepburn's life and her medical history in order to investigate and find the answers as to what caused Audrey's rare cancer and why she couldn't be saved. On the evening of January 20, 1993, actress and style icon Audrey Hepburn died of a very rare form of abdominal cancer, at the age of 63.

Friends and Family discuss the circumstances surrounding the deaths of professional wrestling superstar Chris Benoit and his family

On May 8, 1999, the world was saddened by the news that actor Dana Plato, died in Moore, Oklahoma. As a child star in the eighties, TV Show ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ Dana Had captured the heart of America playing everyone’s favorite sister, Kimberly Drummond.

on March 10th, 1988, just a few days after his 30th birthday, Andy Gibb died. He was the youngest brother of the three Bee Gees Brothers. The cause of his death on his death certificate was given as myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle.

Talented Canadian Alan Thicke moves to Hollywood at the age of 23 to embark on a career in the entertainment business; over nearly 50 years he was a writer, director, producer, composer, talk show host and actor.

A look at the life and death of Florence Henderson.

Spotlighting legendary comedian Garry Shandling, who died at the age of 66 in 2016. Over 40 years on stage and screen, audiences loved his self-analytical and self-deprecating humor. Outwardly, he appeared to be in good health. However, Garry suffered intense stress in his business and personal life and also battled with serious long-term health conditions. Dr. Michael Hunter reopens Garry's medical files to solve the mystery of what caused the fatal blood clot that would claim his life.

Spotlighting professional wrestling legend Chyna who died from an overdose in her Los Angeles apartment on April 20th, 2016. Chyna's life unravelled after she left WWE and became infamous as a casualty of drug and alcohol abuse. After a mysterious exile in Japan, Chyna returned to the U.S. intent on reinventing herself, but died alone nine months later. Dr. Michael Hunter unpacks the secrets of Chyna's autopsy report and pieces together the truth about Chyna's tragic death.

Spotlighting Aaron Hernandez, who was the youngest player in the history of the NFL. But he was leading a double life. In 2015, he was convicted of murdering the boyfriend of his fiancée's sister. On April 19, 2017, he was found dead in his prison cell. He was just 27 years old. A medical examiner concluded that the cause of death was asphyxia by hanging. Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter hopes to discover what drove Aaron Hernandez to take the life of others and ultimately his own.

On August 6th 2004, the music world was stunned when outrageous entertainer and colourful funk star Rick James was found dead by his housekeeper in his LA home. He was 56 years old. Adored by women, Rick James was an 80s Motown sensation and lived the classic drug-fuelled rock-n-roll lifestyle. However, his excesses took a dark turn when in 1991, he was accused of kidnap and torture, resulting in a prison sentence. Upon release, he turned his life around but something went terribly wrong and things took a turn for the worse. Renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter is investigating Rick James' death and will look into his autopsy report, witness statements and first-hand accounts to reveal why this accomplished, charismatic and popular star died suddenly, alone at home.

Luther Vandross was one of the brightest stars in the music business in the 80 and 90's, notching up a raft of hit albums, including his "party starter" single , "Never Too Much" and his album "Dance With My Father" which went straight to No1 in the charts. Luther's career faltered in the 90's but in the early 2000's he was making a successful comeback when disaster struck

Uncovering the hidden clues as to why Davy Jones died at just 66 years old using the autopsy and medical examiner's report. On the morning of February 29, 2012, Davy Jones, the front man of the 60s pop phenomenon, The Monkees, died. He had been performing just days before and showed no signs of ill health. He was the first of four to be cast in the whacky TV show about a failing pop band, The Monkees. His sudden death from a catastrophic cardiac failure came completely out of the blue.

In 2017 rap legend Prodigy unexpectedly died in a Las Vegas hospital. The 42 year old had famously battled the hereditary blood disorder sickle cell anemia since birth; the pain of which helped him mould the signature hard core rap sound that propelled him to fame. But shortly after his passing, rumours emerged that Prodigy had choked to death. In this episode, Dr. Hunter unravels the details of Prodigy’s life-long condition and seeks to shed light on the reasons for his death.