Keith Whitley - Death Controversy

Death Controversy

It has long been speculated that Whitley's death may not have been directly caused by his recklessness or alcoholism, but that he may have been a victim of premeditated misconduct. In 2009, forensic pathologist and then-chief medical examiner Charles W. Harlan stood trial for several cases of forensic fraud which led to the misdiagnoses of several deceased patients, and possibly the conviction of innocent people under suspicion of murder. Subsequently, the man who originally laid claim that Whitley's death was solely by alcohol poisoning has been relieved of his license to practice pathology. Whitley's death certificate and autopsy results had once been sealed from public access, but have since been made public record.

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