Photo: Will Ragozzino/Getty
Nearly nine years after her death, details aboutRue McClanahan’s final days are coming to light.
This Sunday, the Reelz docuseries,Autopsy: Rue McClanahan, investigatesThe Golden Girlsstar’s autopsy, which was performed almost a decade ago, following herdeath at age 76.
According to the outlet, McClanahan’s autopsy revealed that the star was taking medications to control anxiety and panic attacks.
“Anxiety can cause dramatic spikes in blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause blood clotting, so could this have increased Rue’s chances of having a stroke?” he questions.
“So far I’ve discovered that Rue had undergone knee surgery, which carries with it a risk of clotting. But, she came out of the surgery without complications. From reports, she was working hard in the months before her death and appeared to be fit and well,” Dr. Hunter says inRadar Online’s teaser of the episode.
“However, the chance of having a stroke increases with age and affects women more than men,” he continues, “and I can see from reports that Rue may have been even more susceptible to a stroke as a result of a debilitating illness that overshadowed her whole life.”
McClanahan starred onThe Golden Girlsas beloved Blanche Devereaux from 1985–92.
The cast of ‘The Golden Girls’.ABC/Getty
“So why did the actress die of a stroke at the age of 76? World-renowned Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyze every detail of the limited information available to piece together the answer,” it continues.
On June 3, 2010, McClanahan “passed away at 1 a.m.,” her manager, Barbara Lawrence, told PEOPLE. “She had a massive stroke.”
Bea Arthur (left) and Rue McClanahan.CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images
Golden Girlsput her on the map and led to fame, fortune — and several husbands. In all, she had six, including actor Morrow Wilson, whom she wed in 1997 and who survives her, as does a son, Mark Bish, from her first marriage.
Autopsy: Rue McClanahanairs Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on Reelz.
source: people.com
