Sophia Michaels
The passing of Eddie Van Halen on October 6, 2020, left a deep impact on fans globally, particularly his son, Wolfgang. In a heartfelt Instagram message, Wolfgang expressed, “I can’t believe I’m having to write this,” reflecting on the profound bond he shared with his father throughout their lives.
Tragically, the details surrounding Eddie’s autopsy were equally sorrowful. His battle with tongue cancer began in 2000, and by the end of his life, sources noted that it had severely affected all his organs. Despite this, a death certificate acquired by TMZ indicated that his death was officially due to a stroke, or “cerebrovascular accident.” Additionally, the report revealed he was suffering from lung cancer and skin cancer on his head and neck. The aftermath of the autopsy report generated significant conflict within his family, adding to their grief.
The exploitation of Eddie Van Halen’s autopsy report for entertainment
The Reelz channel’s episode titled “Autopsy: The Last Hours Of …” aired on June 5, focusing on Eddie Van Halen’s untimely demise. The show aims to delve into the lives of wealthy and famous individuals whose deaths attracted media scrutiny, using medical evidence to clarify circumstances surrounding these events.
Nevertheless, the airing of Eddie’s personal story received backlash, especially from his family. Wolfgang expressed his outrage on Twitter, stating, “F*** @ReelzChannel… disgusting trying to glamorize someone’s death.” Similarly, his mother, Valerie Bertinelli, voiced her disapproval, calling the situation “disgusting” in her own tweet.
In response to the criticism, Reelz defended its approach, claiming they strive for accuracy in their documentaries about celebrities. They argued that the series has resulted in positive feedback from viewers, including professionals in the medical field and fans seeking closure or awareness about health issues.
