Autopsy The Last Hours of... Season 5 Episode 15 Alan Thicke

Alan Thicke was a beloved television personality, best known for his role as Dr. Jason Seaver on the hit 80s show "Growing Pains." On December 13th, 2016, Thicke collapsed while playing hockey with his son and was rushed to the hospital. Despite efforts to save him, Thicke passed away at the age of 69. In this episode of "Autopsy: The Last Hours of...," forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter delves into Thicke's medical history to determine what led to his untimely death.

Hunter begins by looking at Thicke's family history, including his father's history of heart disease. Thicke himself had a history of high cholesterol and was taking medication to control it. Hunter explores the potential impact of this medication on Thicke's health and whether it could have contributed to his death.

Hunter next examines Thicke's autopsy report, which reveals that he suffered a ruptured aorta. This is a rare but serious condition in which the main artery in the body tears, leading to massive internal bleeding. Hunter explains the potential causes of aortic ruptures, including high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, and explores whether Thicke had any underlying risk factors for this condition.

Hunter also speaks with experts in the field of cardiology and cardiovascular surgery to learn more about aortic ruptures and the treatment options available. He discusses the high mortality rate associated with this condition and the challenges that doctors face in treating it.

Throughout the episode, Hunter also delves into Thicke's personal and professional life, exploring the impact of his busy schedule and the stress that he may have been under. He interviews friends and colleagues who share their memories of Thicke and provides a glimpse into the man behind the television persona.

Ultimately, Hunter concludes that Thicke's death was a result of a rare and unpredictable medical event. He notes that while Thicke had some risk factors for aortic rupture, such as high blood pressure, there were no clear warning signs that could have predicted the sudden and catastrophic rupture that ultimately took his life.

"Autopsy: The Last Hours of..." provides a unique look into the lives and deaths of celebrities, exploring the medical conditions and events that ultimately led to their untimely demises. In this episode, Dr. Michael Hunter provides a detailed and fascinating examination of the life and death of Alan Thicke, shedding light on a tragic and unexpected loss.