Autopsy: The Last Hours of... - Season 9

First aired: 2/16/2020 23 episodes

Episodes

1. Florence Henderson

Aired: 2/16/2020

Florence Henderson, best known as Carol Brady on The Brady Bunch, passed away on November 24, 2016, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles at the age of 82. She had been hospitalized the day before. According to her manager, Kayla Pressman, Henderson died of heart failure. Three days before her death, Henderson had attended the recording of Dancing with the Stars to support her friend and former on-screen daughter Maureen McCormick, who was a contestant. Pressman stated that Henderson's death was a shock as she was not ill prior to her sudden hospitalization.

2. Alan Thicke

Aired: 2/23/2020

On December 13, 2016, Alan Thicke collapsed while playing ice hockey with his son at Pickwick Gardens in Burbank, California. Despite joking with his son as he was being wheeled out on a stretcher, Thicke tragically passed away from type-A aortic dissection at the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank at the age of 69.

3. Andy Gibb

Aired: 3/1/2020

On March 5, 1988, Gibb celebrated his 30th birthday in London while working on a new album. Two days later, he was admitted to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford due to chest pains. By March 10, 1988, despite the need for further tests, Gibb unexpectedly succumbed to myocarditis, attributed to years of cocaine abuse weakening his heart. His ex-wife, Kim Reeder, expressed no surprise at the news, foreseeing such an outcome due to his history of substance abuse.

4. Dana Plato

Aired: 3/8/2020

On May 8, 1999, Dana Plato and her fiancé Robert Menchaca visited Menchaca's mother in Moore, Oklahoma for Mother's Day. Plato, feeling unwell, took painkiller Lortab and muscle relaxant Soma before lying down in their parked Winnebago motor home. Upon awakening, Menchaca and family found Plato deceased. Initially considered an accidental overdose, her death was later ruled a suicide due to her extensive history of drug abuse.

5. Chris Benoit

Aired: 3/15/2020

In June 2007, wrestler Chris Benoit committed a murder-suicide, killing his wife Nancy and their 7-year-old son Daniel before taking his own life in their Fayetteville, Georgia home. This show examines the factors leading to the tragedy, including Benoit's mental health struggles, steroid use, and the toll of his wrestling career. Expert interviews shed light on the complex reasons behind Benoit's actions. Viewer discretion advised.

6. Audrey Hepburn

Aired: 3/22/2020

In late September 1992, Hepburn returned to Switzerland from Somalia and started experiencing abdominal pain. Tests at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in November revealed she had a rare form of abdominal cancer called pseudomyxoma peritonei. After surgery and chemotherapy, Hepburn spent her last days at home in Switzerland, passing away in her sleep on January 20, 1993.

7. Glen Campbell

Aired: 3/29/2020

Glen Campbell, the renowned singer-songwriter from Arkansas, is remembered for his successful career in country and pop music. With hits like "Rhinestone Cowboy" and "Wichita Lineman," Campbell showcased his talents as a singer, songwriter, and musician. He was also an accomplished guitarist who collaborated with many famous artists. Despite his unfortunate battle with Alzheimer's disease, which led to his decline and passing in 2017, Campbell's courage in the face of his diagnosis brought widespread awareness to the condition. His legacy in the music industry is an enduring one.

8. Jeffrey Epstein

Aired: 4/5/2020

Dr. Michael Hunter, a renowned coroner and forensic pathologist, examines the mysterious death of Jeffrey Epstein, who died in a Manhattan jail cell under controversial circumstances.

9. Desi Arnaz

Aired: 6/7/2020

On December 2nd, 1986, Desi Arnaz, beloved for his portrayal of Ricky Ricardo in the iconic 1950s TV series 'I Love Lucy,' passed away at the age of 69, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.

10. Patty Duke

Aired: 6/7/2020

The world mourned the loss of Hollywood child star Patty Duke on March 29th, 2016. Charming audiences for over six decades, she left an indelible mark on the industry.

11. Adam West

Aired: 6/14/2020

Dr. Michael Hunter examines the death of actor Adam West, beloved for his portrayal of Batman in the 1960s series. West, born William West Anderson in 1928, adopted his iconic stage name and left an enduring legacy in entertainment. His career spanned decades, including voice acting and embracing his Batman fame with humor. West passed away in 2017 at 88, beloved by fans of classic TV and superheroes.

12. Bill Bixby

Aired: 6/14/2020

Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter investigates the death of beloved actor Bill Bixby, known for captivating TV roles. Born in 1934 as Wilfred Bailey Everett Bixby III, he adopted the stage name Bill Bixby, finding success in sitcoms and dramas. His role as Dr. David Bruce Banner in 'The Incredible Hulk' cemented his legacy. Bixby also directed episodes of various shows, showcasing dedication to the craft. His friendly demeanor and talent endeared him to fans and colleagues. Bixby's passing in 1993 at age 59 left a significant mark on entertainment.

13. John Ritter

Aired: 7/19/2020

On September 11th, 2003, beloved television star John Ritter passed away unexpectedly at the age of 54 while filming his acclaimed sitcom '8 Simple Rules.' Despite a clean bill of health from a full body scan just two years prior, his sudden death raises questions about the cause of this tragic loss for the entertainment world.

14. Gilda Radner

Aired: 7/26/2020

American comedy icon Gilda Radner, known for her unique characters on 'Saturday Night Live,' faced a life filled with personal struggles, including bulimia and multiple miscarriages. Her tragic death at age 42 from ovarian cancer prompts questions about the disease's cause and missed diagnostic opportunities. World-renowned medical examiner and forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter leads an investigation to uncover the answers.

15. David Cassidy

Aired: 8/2/2020

Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter examines the death of 1970s heartthrob David Cassidy, whose portrayal of Keith Partridge on 'The Partridge Family' launched his career. Beyond acting, Cassidy's musical talent made him a pop star. However, his later years were marked by substance abuse struggles, financial troubles, and legal issues. Cassidy's passing in 2017 at 67 due to liver and kidney failure highlights the darker side of fame.

16. Larry Hagman

Aired: 8/2/2020

Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter examines the death of iconic actor Larry Hagman, beloved for his roles in 'I Dream of Jeannie' and 'Dallas.' Hagman's career spanned decades, and his portrayal of J.R. Ewing brought him international fame. Beyond acting, Hagman advocated for environmental causes and loved aviation. His health declined in later years, and he passed away in 2012 at 81 due to cancer complications, leaving a lasting television legacy.

17. Dick Clark

Aired: 8/9/2020

Dick Clark was a renowned American television personality and producer, best known for hosting the iconic shows "American Bandstand" and "New Year's Rockin' Eve." He had a long and successful career in the entertainment industry, spanning several decades. However, in December 2004, Clark suffered a stroke that affected his speech and mobility. Despite this setback, he continued working and made appearances on television shows, showcasing his resilience and dedication to his craft. Sadly, on April 18, 2012, at the age of 82, Dick Clark passed away due to a heart attack. Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter investigated the circumstances surrounding his death.

18. Billy Mays

Aired: 8/9/2020

Billy Mays was a well-known television pitchman famous for his energetic infomercials. On June 28, 2009, he was found dead in his Florida home. The cause of death was later determined to be hypertensive heart disease, as Mays had a history of hypertension. His sudden passing at the age of 50 shocked many. Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter is investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

19. Walt Disney

Aired: 8/9/2020

Walt Disney, a visionary animator and entrepreneur, co-founded The Walt Disney Company, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry with iconic characters and films. He died at 65 from lung cancer in 1966. Dr. Michael Hunter is investigating the circumstances surrounding Disney's cause of death.

20. Burt Reynolds

Aired: 8/16/2020

Burt Reynolds, a beloved American actor known for his charismatic performances, faced health challenges including a back injury, painkiller addiction, and heart bypass surgery. Despite personal struggles, he maintained his prominence in Hollywood. Reynolds passed away at 82 from a heart attack on September 6, 2018, leaving behind a legendary career. Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter is investigating the circumstances surrounding Reynolds' cause of death, shedding light on the final chapter of the actor's life.

21. Marlon Brando

Aired: 8/23/2020

Marlon Brando, a legendary American actor known for his method acting and impactful performances in film, faced health challenges such as weight gain and obesity throughout his life. Despite critical acclaim and fame for roles in classics like "The Godfather" and "On the Waterfront," Brando experienced personal tragedies and a decline in his later career. He passed away at 80 on July 1, 2004, from respiratory failure due to pulmonary fibrosis. Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter is investigating the circumstances surrounding Brando's cause of death, shedding light on the final chapter of the actor's life.

22. Debbie Reynolds

Aired: 8/23/2020

Debbie Reynolds, a renowned American actress and performer, faced personal challenges, including multiple marriages and financial struggles. The heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Carrie Fisher, in 2016 is believed to have impacted her health. Tragically, Reynolds passed away at 84 from a stroke just one day after Fisher's death. Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter is investigating the circumstances surrounding Reynolds' cause of death, shedding light on the events that deeply affected their fans and the entertainment industry, marking the end of an era in Hollywood.

23. Tom Petty

Aired: 12/13/2020

Tom Petty, the acclaimed American singer-songwriter and frontman of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, wowed audiences with his unique voice and rock hits. Despite his success, Petty battled substance abuse and depression. In 2017, he embarked on a final tour to mark the band's 40th anniversary. Sadly, Petty died at 66 from a cardiac arrest at his California home on October 2, 2017. Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter is investigating the circumstances of his death, revealing insights into the unexpected loss of the rock legend and its impact on fans and the music industry.