It's been over 40 years, but Elvis Presley's death is still the subject of much speculation and even conspiracy theories.
The day was Aug. 16, 1977. The legendary musician was found unresponsive by his fiancée Ginger Alden in the bathroom at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee. The news of the King of Rock's death shocked family, friends, and his many fans.
Elvis Presley: Funeral and chaos after his death
After his death, Presley was first buried next to his mother in Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis. However, fans attempted to steal the late entertainer's body, so he was reburied in the meditation garden at Graceland.
In the month Elvis died, sudden cardiac arrest and arrhythmia were given as preliminary causes of death. Two months later, all examinations were finished. It was found that Presley died of hypertensive heart disease, i.e. chronic high blood pressure.
"Our sweet, good boy"
Elvis Presley's cause of death sparked a lawsuit
However, some pathologists appealed the ruling because, according to toxicological tests, they believed the cause of death was due to polypharmacy — taking too much medication. The dispute turned into a court battle that lasted over 20 years.
The coroner's office was accused of covering up matters and forging the death certificate. That's why, in 1994, the independent pathologist Dr. Joseph Davies was tasked with re-investigating the cause of Presley's death.
The result? Drugs played no role in the music legend's sudden death. The original diagnosis of hypertensive heart disease was confirmed.
Nevertheless, Elvis's cause of death is still discussed today. It's now also suggested that a chronic bowel disease, possibly even Hirschsprung's disease, may have contributed to the entertainer's death.
Always a bombshell!
Quiz
How many coaches long is the train in "Mystery Train"?
