UPCOMING EPISODES

On October 6th 2020, the world was shocked by the news that guitar legend Eddie Van Halen had died. A rock prodigy with a boyish charm, Eddie was never more comfortable than when he had a guitar in his hand. Known as the founder of the Van Halen, a band synonymous with California cool, Eddie was surprisingly an immigrant. Of both Dutch and Indonesian heritage, his family moved from the Netherlands to California when he was a child. Without knowing a word of English, Eddie overcame racism in a pre civil rights America. By age 25, Eddie’s band had sold multiple platinum albums and his innovative guitar techniques cemented Eddie in Rock and Roll history. It seemed nothing could stop him. But behind his contagious smile, there was a darker undercurrent that would plague Eddie throughout his life. He dealt with addiction issues for over 4 decades, having started drinking at just age 12. Often relying on alcohol and other substances to maintain his creativity, Eddie would spend many years in and out of rehab. He was a workaholic, often pushing his body to the limits in order to perform while secretly battling illness. Eddie died at the age of 65 from cancer. But if caught early, Eddie’s disease had reasonable survival rates. So what happened? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyse every detail of Eddie Van Halen’s life in order to piece together what else may have been going on in his body, ultimately leading to his untimely death.

On October 6th 2020, the world was shocked by the news that guitar legend Eddie Van Halen had died. A rock prodigy with a boyish charm, Eddie was never more comfortable than when he had a guitar in his hand. Known as the founder of the Van Halen, a band synonymous with California cool, Eddie was surprisingly an immigrant. Of both Dutch and Indonesian heritage, his family moved from the Netherlands to California when he was a child. Without knowing a word of English, Eddie overcame racism in a pre civil rights America. By age 25, Eddie’s band had sold multiple platinum albums and his innovative guitar techniques cemented Eddie in Rock and Roll history. It seemed nothing could stop him. But behind his contagious smile, there was a darker undercurrent that would plague Eddie throughout his life. He dealt with addiction issues for over 4 decades, having started drinking at just age 12. Often relying on alcohol and other substances to maintain his creativity, Eddie would spend many years in and out of rehab. He was a workaholic, often pushing his body to the limits in order to perform while secretly battling illness. Eddie died at the age of 65 from cancer. But if caught early, Eddie’s disease had reasonable survival rates. So what happened? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyse every detail of Eddie Van Halen’s life in order to piece together what else may have been going on in his body, ultimately leading to his untimely death.

On the morning of December 23rd, 2015, just two days before Christmas, cherished wife and mother of two boys Connie Dabate was found brutally murdered, shot to death in her own basement in Ellington Connecticut. Connie’s husband Rick was also found tortured covered in blood. He reported the shocking story of a home invasion gone wrong, a masked intruder who had attempted to rob the family, shooting Connie twice in the process. The Dabates seemed like an idyllic family. Connie and Rick had been together for 12 years, they had two boys and on the surface were the picture of happiness. Connie was a pillar of the small close-knit community of Ellington and as a couple they were well liked and had lots of friends. But what people didn’t know about doting father and loving husband Rick was he had a double life, a second phone and a secret credit card that Connie knew nothing about and the case unfolds darker secrets emerge. A murder that shocked a community and ripped families apart. But, was this simply a tale of a home robbery gone tragically wrong? Who was in the Dabate house that day? What kind of person would murder a mother in cold blood just two days before Christmas? With the help of police investigation reports, the coroner's autopsy and the technological data pulled from the Dabates’ cell phones and the Fitbit Connie was wearing that day, Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter deciphers the shocking truths of the case to uncover how and why this apparently senseless murder took place.

In the early hours of January 13th, 2018 beloved wife and mother Kathleen ‘Kat’ Dawn West was found dead across the street from her Calera, Alabama home. The crime scene was shocking. 42-year-old Kat was found partially nude with a blunt force trauma to her head lying next to her was a half full bottle of absinthe and her cell phone. Kat described herself as a full-time wife and Mommy who doted on her daughter Lola, aged 12 years old at the time. But what many people didn’t know is that Kat had a second online life quite at odds with her housewife persona. Kat was an avid social media user and in March 2016 she started using her online accounts to make money, initially posting links to items for sale but it was the sexy pictures of her modelling lingerie that helped her amass 52,000 Instagram followers under the provocative username ‘Kitty Kat West’. This led to Kat starting her own online business on the Onlyfans website and posting more explicit material. Kat’s double life was not a secret from her husband Jeff. Kat had been married to Jeff West for 14 years, on the surface they had a loving, open relationship but digging deeper there were issues in their marriage. Kat’s husband Jeff has been charged and convicted with her murder but the outcome remains controversial. Jeff has always claimed his wife died from a drunken accidental fall. Could Jeff have killed his wife? Did an online stalker murder Kat in cold blood? Was it a drunken accident? With the help of police investigation reports, first-hand accounts and the coroner's autopsy report Dr. Michael Hunter unravels the mysterious case to uncover how and why Kat West died.

Two attractive young women attacked in their place of work, with one left dead and the other found bound and unconscious. Jayna Murray’s brutal murder, seemingly at the hands of blood thirsty masked intruders, sent the wealthy community of Bethesda, MD, into lockdown. This savage killing in a Lululemon sports clothes store would stun even the most case-hardened law enforcement professionals and forensic specialists. With its apparent sexual motive, and the sheer number of horrific injuries Jayna sustained as she tried to defend herself, this is a crime that stands out in its savagery. But as the details of this terrible murder are revealed, it will become clear that everything is not as it first seems, and forensic and crime scene evidence will turn this urgent investigation on its head. Utilizing the autopsy report, forensic evidence and first-hand accounts, Dr. Michael Hunter will uncover the facts behind this appalling murder, and by studying all the evidence of this mysterious case, he’ll shed light on the appalling truth of it, and explain how and why Jayna Murray died.

Steven Clayton appeared to have it all. Happily married and living in luxury on the shore of South Carolina’s Lake Wylie, the 64-year-old was enjoying his retirement after a successful career. But on June 21st, 2018, his wife Lana found him dead at the bottom of their stairs after a sudden illness, and immediately called for help. Attending responders initially determined it to be a death from natural causes, but family members grew suspicious that this was not the whole story. Four weeks later a homicide investigation began. Now, world renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter analyses the autopsy report and documents from the investigation to get to the truth of how Steven Clayton died.

John Belushi was a comedy genius. The gross-out characters he created in Animal House and Blues Brothers were iconic. After a meteoric rise to stardom, 33 year-old he was on the cusp of super stardom. But on March 5th, 1982 he was found dead died in Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont Hotel. Using information revealed in John Belushi’s autopsy report, Dr. Michael Hunter investigates his final days and hours to reveal the cause of his death.

When legendary comedian Garry Shandling died at the age of just 66 in 2016, his fans and the show business community were mystified and shocked. Over 40 years on stage and screen, audiences loved his self-analytical and self-deprecating humour and thanks to hit sitcoms like the Larry Sanders show, he garnered over 60 awards or nominations, including Emmys. Outwardly, he appeared to be in good health – never drinking to excess or using illegal drugs but always pursuing a busy fitness regime, eating well and practicing meditation. Behind the scenes howecer, Garry was obsessively perfectionist and workaholic and suffered intense stress in his business and personal lives. He also battled with serious long-term health conditions resulting in major surgeries and the removal of internal organs. His medical history was complicated. World renowned pathologist Dr Michael Hunter is re-opening Garry’s medical files to solve the mystery of what caused the fatal blood clot that would ultimately claim Garry’s life.

Phil Hartman was a comedy legend. HIs satirical impressions on Saturday Night Live ruffled the feather of America’s most powerful. On The Simpsons, his voice gave life to 18 iconic characters. He was one of America’s favorite comic actors. But in May 1998 Phil Hartman’s family home was stormed by armed police who found him shot to death in his bedroom. The horror escalates when police confirm Phil’s wife Brynn is by his side – also shot dead. Using information revealed in Phil and Brynn’s autopsy reports Dr. Michael Hunter investigates their tragic and untimely deaths.

On May 16th 1984, unique comedy talent, Andy Kaufman, died from a rare form of lung cancer at just 35 years of age. Renowned for his eccentric stage routines and comedy sketches on the TV show ‘Saturday Night Live’ he went on to gain international fame playing ‘Latka’ the goofy mechanic in the 70’s sitcom ‘Taxi’. A master of invention, he told friends he was going to fake his own death, leading some to believe he did not die. In this episode, expert Coroner and Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter, examines Andy Kaufman’s medical history to try and discover what caused the death of this comic phenomenon at such a young age.

Gilda Radner was an icon of American comedy, whose unique characters on hit show Saturday Night Live catapulted her into the nation’s heart. But behind the laughter was a life blighted by illness and sorrow- from bulimia to multiple miscarriages. And at the age of just 42 she died of ovarian cancer in a Los Angeles hospital. So what caused her to catch the deadly disease at such a young age and why did doctors miss multiple opportunities to catch it? World renowned medical examiner and forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter leads the investigation to find the answers.

Alongside the medical testimony we will explore the timeline of events that contributed to the untimely death and talk to people who will give us first hand factual accounts of what actually took place, revealing an intimate portrait of how the celebrity lived, breathed and ultimately suffered. Following her rise to fame in the 1960s Joan Rivers became the undisputed queen of stand-up comedy. For nearly five decades her unique brand of fast-talking, acid tongued wit made her a fixture on stage and television around the globe. But at 1.17pm on September 4th 2014 Joan was pronounced dead in her hospital room. She was 81. Joan Rivers was known for her love of plastic surgery. But after risking her life on numerous occasions by going under the cosmetic surgeon’s knife, a routine, low-risk procedure was to go tragically wrong. Dr Michael Hunter investigates the last days of Joan Rivers.

On March 4th 1994, beloved comedy actor John Candy was found dead in Durango Mexico, where he had been working on what would become his final film, Wagons East. Candy rose through the ranks of the celebrated Second City theatre group, and went on to appear in over 40 films, winning acclaim for his performances in classic films such as Splash, Cool Runnings and Planes, Trains and Automobiles. His death certificate stated that he died of a heart attack – but what was the cause? John Candy was known for his larger than life persona, and he battled with his weight throughout his life. But it seems that events that unfolded in Mexico on the set of Wagons East could have also contributed to his shocking and untimely death at the age of just 43. World renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter will analyse every detail of Candy’s death certificate, along with the testimonies from those closest to John, in order to understand what ultimately caused the death of a Hollywood icon.

Chris Farley was the larger-than-life Hollywood star regarded as one of the funniest comedians of his generation. His outrageous blend of physical slapstick and vulnerable charm earned him the adoration of the American public. After shooting to fame in the early 90’s as one of Saturday Night Live’s brightest talents, he went on to star in a string of hit movies. But on December 18th 1997 Chris’ body was found on the floor of his Chicago apartment, after four days of partying. He died alone aged 33. Now, Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Hunter is taking a fresh look at the death of an icon who was loved by millions.

Robin Williams was one of the funniest and most gifted comedians of his generation. He burst to prominence in 1978 in the hit TV sitcom Mork & Mindy and won an Oscar for Good Will Hunting in 1997. But just before noon on August 11th 2014, he’s found hanging from a belt secured to a closet door in his home in Tiburon, California. Now, Dr Michael Hunter is piecing together the events of Robin William’s last hours and evidence from the autopsy report to uncover what triggered this suicide. The star had overcome major heart surgery, was winning a lifelong battle with drink and drugs and, at the age of 63, was set to reprise one of his most famous roles in a sequel of box office smash Mrs Doubtfire. Yet beneath this surface Robin Williams was a troubled man, secretly coping with a recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, taking medication used for severe psychiatric conditions and displaying bizarre signs of paranoid behaviour. However, Dr Hunter reveals it’s a rare and undiagnosed brain disease that finally is the driver that causes Robin Williams to take his own life. Alongside sensitive and factually based drama we talk to close friends, biographers and a psychologist and painstakingly investigate the tragic death of a comedy legend.

On May 27th 2011 the world was saddened by the news that the actor Jeff Conaway had died. He was best known for the role of Kenickie in Grease. In a career spanning five decades, he was rarely out of work but there was trouble behind the megawatt smile. Jeff Conaway had a much-publicised battle with drink and drug addiction and there was speculation in the press that he died of an overdose. However, upon examination of Jeff Conaway’s extensive autopsy report world-renowned forensic pathologist, Dr Michael Hunter, does not believe this is necessarily the case. In fact, his investigation reveals there are a multitude of potential reasons for Jeff’s untimely death. So what ultimately happened?

Alongside the medical testimony we will explore the timeline of events that contributed to the untimely death and talk to people who will give us first hand factual accounts of what actually took place, revealing an intimate portrait of how the celebrity lived, breathed and ultimately suffered. Following her rise to fame in the 1960s Joan Rivers became the undisputed queen of stand-up comedy. For nearly five decades her unique brand of fast-talking, acid tongued wit made her a fixture on stage and television around the globe. But at 1.17pm on September 4th 2014 Joan was pronounced dead in her hospital room. She was 81. Joan Rivers was known for her love of plastic surgery. But after risking her life on numerous occasions by going under the cosmetic surgeon’s knife, a routine, low-risk procedure was to go tragically wrong. Dr Michael Hunter investigates the last days of Joan Rivers.

Johnny Carson, the undisputed King of Late Night TV died in Los Angeles in January 2005. From 1962 and for nearly 30 years, he tucked millions of Americans into bed every night as the host of NBC’s “Tonight” show. His humour and laid-back demeanour attracted the cream of global talent night after night and his famed monologues helped Americans take in the day’s news with a wry smile. But away from the cameras, Johnny was a troubled man, haunted by an emotionally impoverished childhood leading to heavy drinking and womanising in his adult life. His distant relationship with his 3 sons culminated in tragedy when one of them, Rick, died in a car crash at the age of 39. Johnny paid a heavy price for the stresses in his personal and professional lives. A heavy smoker from childhood, he was diagnosed with the lung disease emphysema nearly 20 years before his death. This made it increasingly hard for him to breath and took a heavy toll on his heart, culminating in a heart attack in 1999 and his death six years later from respiratory arrest. World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter, re-examines Johnny’s life story and medical history to find out exactly how his emotional and physical health combined to silence this giant of the small screen.

On January 29th, 1977, the world was stunned by the news that the breakout comedy star, Freddie Prinze, had taken his own life at the age of 22. He shot to fame as the star of the primetime sitcom ‘Chico and the Man’ after appearing on The Tonight Show at just 19-years-old. But Freddie struggled to balance his fast rise to fame and fortune with the demands of being a husband and young Father. His recreational drug habit spiraled into full-blown dependence and his behavior became increasingly impulsive and reckless. Too much. Too soon. A life of excess. Did it all become too much to handle for Freddie? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyze every detail in Freddie’s records to piece together what exactly caused this bright, young comic with the world at his feet to take his own life.

Richard Pryor's shockingly honest, no holds barred performances revolutionised American comedy. And his no holds barred attitude continued off screen with his monstrous appetite for drink, drugs and sex. But during the last part of his life Pryor was struck down with a debilitating illness which left him paralysed and unable to speak. Then, on December 10th, 2005, Richard Pryor dies from a cardiac arrest. But what killed him? Was it his wild past catching up with him? His debilitating illness? Or something else all together? Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter will be examining Richard's medical records to determine precisely was caused the death of this much loved comedian.

The night of November 25, 1998 Flip Wilson died at the tragically young age of 64. Flip will always be remembered as the gifted comedian who burned fiercely, lighting up our television screens in the 1970’s. In his time, he was a groundbreaking funny-man who was renowned for his generosity, and blazed a path that enabled other black performers to hit the big time. He was a unique comedian, a true original who overcame a childhood marred by terrible abuse and poverty to become a millionaire many times over. But Flip was tormented by the ghosts from his past, and wrestled with drink and drugs throughout his illustrious career. And despite a tenacity that took him from the starving streets of Jersey City, to the glamorous bright lights of California, Flip was brought down by an incurable cancer that took his life in a matter of months. Dr. Michael Hunter, world renowned medical examiner, will investigate and analyze all the available evidence; Flip’s medical history and first hand accounts from his life, to find out what caused the deadly cancer that took such an incredible comedy icon’s life.

Bernie Mac was one of the best-loved stand-up comedians of his generation. He worked his way out of poverty, spending 12 years performing in Chicago clubs before hitting the big time in the early 90’s as part of the Def Comedy Jam. After touring relentlessly, he eventually found mainstream success with a string of Hollywood movie roles and his own primetime TV show. But in July 2008 he was hospitalized with pneumonia. After 3 weeks in intensive care he died at the height of his career, aged 50. Now, Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Hunter is taking a fresh look at the death of a unique performer who was loved by millions.