Autopsy The Last Hours of... Season 4 Episode 22 Howard Hughes

Autopsy: The Last Hours of... is an investigative television series that delves into the final days of some of the most iconic celebrities in history. The show combines expert interviews, forensic examinations, and archival footage to explore the medical conditions, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors that contributed to their deaths.

In season 4 episode 22, the focus is on the enigmatic billionaire Howard Hughes. Once one of the wealthiest men in the world, Hughes was a visionary inventor, aviator, and film producer who lived a life of extreme luxury and eccentricity. However, in his later years, he became a recluse, rarely leaving his hotel suite and obsessively controlling his environment.

The episode begins with a recap of Hughes' early life, including his groundbreaking aviation achievements and his foray into Hollywood filmmaking. However, as the years passed, his mental and physical health declined, and he became increasingly isolated from the world. He was known for his bizarre behavior, such as his refusal to cut his hair or nails, his obsession with certain types of food, and his paranoia about germs and contamination.

The narrator notes that rumors have circulated for years about the true cause of Hughes' death, with some people speculating that he was murdered or died of some mysterious ailment. However, the show aims to separate fact from fiction and shed light on the medical conditions that may have contributed to Hughes' demise.

The first expert to weigh in is Dr. Michael Hunter, a forensic pathologist who has performed autopsies on some of the most famous people in history. He notes that Hughes' life is shrouded in myth and that separating truth from fiction is a difficult task. However, he believes that his autopsy report can shed some light on the medical issues that plagued Hughes in his final years.

The episode then delves into the timeline of events leading up to Hughes' death, which occurred on April 5th, 1976. Hunter notes that Hughes was living in the Bahamas at the time and that his health had been declining for several years. He was suffering from a variety of medical conditions, including chronic pain, addiction to painkillers, and malnutrition.

The show uses archival footage and interviews with people who knew Hughes to paint a picture of his final months. He was reportedly kept under strict surveillance by his inner circle, who controlled his every move and denied him access to medical care. They were allegedly seeking to protect his image and fortune, but in doing so, may have contributed to his decline.

The episode then shifts to the autopsy itself, which was performed in Houston, Texas, several days after Hughes' death. Hunter explains that the autopsy revealed several significant medical issues, including a severe kidney infection, dehydration, and chronic liver disease. Additionally, Hughes had a significant amount of medication in his system, including codeine, Valium, and methadone.

Hunter notes that these issues likely contributed to Hughes' death, although the exact cause remains unclear. He suggests that the kidney infection may have led to sepsis, which can be fatal if left untreated. Additionally, the liver disease may have been caused by prolonged drug use, which Hughes had struggled with for many years.

The episode concludes with a discussion of the legacy of Howard Hughes, who remains a fascinating figure to this day. Hunter notes that his life was both inspiring and tragic, with his achievements in aviation and film being overshadowed by his mental and physical decline in his later years. The show aims to provide a clear and accurate picture of Hughes' final days, in an effort to demystify his death and provide closure for those who continue to be fascinated by his life.