Autopsy: The Last Hours Of... Season 9 Episode 16 Patty Duke

Patty Duke was a beloved actress, best known for her roles in The Miracle Worker and The Patty Duke Show. In this episode of Autopsy: The Last Hours Of..., experts take a deep dive into Duke's medical history and untimely death at the age of 69.

Duke was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the 1980s, after years of struggling with mental health issues. She became an advocate for mental health awareness and wrote a memoir about her experiences with the disorder. However, her mental health was not the cause of her death.

On the day she died, Duke was at home with her husband, Michael Pearce. She complained of stomach cramps and took some pain medication before laying down in bed. Pearce went out to run some errands, and when he returned, he found Duke unresponsive.

The medical examiner who performed Duke's autopsy noted that she had an inflamed intestine, which was likely the cause of her stomach pain. The inflammation had caused her intestine to rupture, which led to sepsis, a severe bacterial infection. The infection had spread throughout Duke's body, causing multiple organ failure and ultimately, her death.

The experts on Autopsy: The Last Hours Of... examine Duke's medical records and speak with her doctors to try to understand why her intestine became inflamed. They consider a range of possibilities, including allergies, infections, and inflammatory bowel disease. Ultimately, they conclude that the most likely cause was diverticulitis, a condition in which small pouches in the intestine become inflamed or infected.

Duke had a history of diverticulitis, which was noted in her medical records. However, the condition had been under control for many years, and it was unexpected that it would lead to such a severe complication.

The episode also explores Duke's personal life, including her marriages and relationships with her children. Duke was a complex and dynamic woman, and her life was not without its struggles. However, she remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and a voice for those living with mental illness until her death.

Overall, the experts on Autopsy: The Last Hours Of... paint a detailed picture of Duke's final hours and the medical factors that led to her untimely death. The episode serves as both a tribute to Duke's life and a reminder of the importance of paying attention to one's health and seeking medical attention when necessary.