It’s been nearly a decade since Rue McClanahan, the beloved star of The Golden Girls, left us, and yet, we’re still uncovering more details about her final days. On Sunday, February 17, the Reelz network aired a compelling docuseries titled Autopsy: Rue McClanahan. Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter took a deep dive into Rue’s medical history, revealing some surprising new facts about her tragic passing in June 2010. “Rue had already suffered a stroke seven months before her death,” Dr. Hunter explained. “Her doctors had placed her on Warfarin, a powerful blood thinner designed to prevent another stroke. But here’s the question that kept nagging at me: Why did she suffer a second, fatal stroke?”
Unpacking the Medical Mystery
Dr. Hunter delved into Rue’s medical records to uncover the truth, and what he found was both fascinating and heartbreaking. Rue was a smoker—a habit that significantly increased her risk of stroke. As the doctor put it, “I believe I’ve finally pieced together the puzzle. Rue endured two distinct types of strokes. Her first was an ischemic stroke, caused by a blood clot. This is the most common form of stroke in the U.S., accounting for a staggering 87% of all cases. Rue was at an elevated risk for this kind of stroke because she was a woman over 60, had recently undergone surgery, and, as I’ve discovered, was also a smoker. In fact, her smoking habit alone made her six times more likely to suffer a stroke.”
Other Factors at Play
Dr. Hunter didn’t stop there. He went on to reveal that Rue was taking a potent anticoagulant medication meant to prevent blood clots. “Anxiety can cause dramatic spikes in blood pressure,” he noted. “High blood pressure can lead to clotting, so could this have heightened Rue’s risk of having a stroke? Let’s consider the bigger picture. Rue had undergone knee surgery, which carries its own clotting risks. However, she emerged from the procedure without any complications. Reports indicate that in the months leading up to her death, she was working hard and appeared to be in good health.”
Read also:Who Is Emma Anturin Discover The Inspiring Story Of A Rising Star In The Spotlight
He added, “Age is a critical factor when it comes to stroke risk, and women are more vulnerable than men. From what I’ve gathered, Rue may have been even more susceptible due to a lifelong illness that shadowed her existence. It’s a tragic reminder of how complex health issues can intersect in unexpected ways.”
Rue's Legacy on The Golden Girls
Rue McClanahan will forever be remembered for her unforgettable role as Blanche Devereaux on The Golden Girls, a show that aired from 1985 to 1992. Alongside Betty White, Bea Arthur, and Estelle Getty, Rue created a sitcom masterpiece that resonated with millions. Today, Betty White, now 97, is the only surviving member of the iconic quartet. Bea Arthur passed away in April 2009 from lung cancer,
