Autopsy The Last Hours of... Season 2 Episode 11 Bernie Mac
- June 17, 2017
Bernie Mac was a beloved comedian and actor who passed away in 2008 at the age of 50. In this episode of "Autopsy: The Last Hours of..." medical examiner Dr. Michael Hunter takes a closer look at the events leading up to Mac's untimely death.
Hunter begins by examining Mac's medical history. Mac was a heavy smoker for many years and had a family history of heart disease. He also suffered from sarcoidosis, a disease that causes inflammation of the lungs, and had undergone a lung transplant in 2005. Despite this, Mac continued to smoke and did not take proper care of his overall health.
Hunter then delves into the days leading up to Mac's death. On August 1, 2008, Mac was admitted to the Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago after experiencing shortness of breath. He was diagnosed with pneumonia and placed on a ventilator. However, Mac's condition continued to worsen and he was eventually diagnosed with a condition known as hypoxemic respiratory failure, a type of respiratory failure in which the body does not receive enough oxygen.
Hunter speaks to several medical experts who were involved in Mac's care. They paint a picture of a man who was uncooperative with his doctors, and who continued to smoke despite being told it was detrimental to his health. Mac's wife and daughter also provide insights into his final days, describing him as being in a lot of pain but trying to remain positive.
Ultimately, Mac's condition deteriorated rapidly and he passed away on August 9, 2008. Hunter examines Mac's autopsy report and identifies the cause of death as sudden cardiac arrest caused by complications of pneumonia.
Through interviews with family members, medical experts, and footage of Mac's stand-up performances, "Autopsy: The Last Hours of..." offers a comprehensive look at the comedian's life and death. Hunter uses his medical expertise to piece together the events leading up to Mac's passing, shedding light on the dangers of smoking and the importance of taking care of one's health.