Dead before their time: 'Final 24'

Few individual days define a human being as poignantly as the last one that he or she spends on Earth. 

Enter "Final 24," a fresh and revealing alternative biography series that unlocks the hidden secrets, psychological flaws and trigger events that led to the tragic deaths of eight global icons.

We have eight celebrities dead before their time. There are eight last days that lead to eight dramatic investigations and eight deaths that hold the key to these amazing lives.

Take a quick glimpse into "Final 24." You won't want to miss a single episode. 

Tupac Shakur, September 13, 1996
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The most successful hip-hop artist of all time, Tupac Shakur has just finished shooting his latest video in Los Angeles. As the fearless and angry voice of urban America, the multitalented poet and performer has sold more than 75 million albums, has scored six Top 10 Billboard singles in as many years, and has emerged as a rich and powerful black man with scores of fans — and enemies. The ultimate gangster-rapper, Tupac says he will one day go out in a blaze of glory. In 24 hours, his prophecy will come true, and the inspired artist of the streets will be on his deathbed.  

Although reluctant about going to Las Vegas to play a gig, Tupac eventually relents and enjoys some high-stakes gambling before attending a heavyweight prizefight featuring his friend Mike Tyson. Pumped up by Tyson’s victory, Tupac is himself involved in a violent brawl and heads back to his hotel to freshen up. When Tupac finally arrives at the club for his performance, a white Cadillac pulls up and a gunman fires a heavy round of bullets at the rapper’s car. Mortally wounded with a punctured lung, Tupac dies six days later in hospital. He is only 25.

Sid Vicious, February 2, 1979
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Punk icon, suspected murderer and heroin addict Sid Vicious has just been released from Rikers prison in New York City. After a night of celebrating his freedom with friends and family, he wakes suddenly. Hell-bent on self-destruction, Sid ingests a massive amount of heroin into his recently drug-free body. Sid is discovered dead the next morning.

"Final 24" delves into Sid's past to uncover the series of events that led to his death, including a shocking revelation that sheds new light on his last day.

John Belushi, March 5, 1982
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Legendary comic actor John Belushi is on a drug-fueled binge in Los Angeles. He's far from those who love him and protect him from his own excesses.

John has been battling his drug addiction for seven years. Throughout the night, he ingests the massive amount of drugs that finally get the better of him. His body cannot withstand the toxic effects of the drugs. "Final 24" investigates the root of John's addiction and uncovers the events that led to his final reckless act.

River Phoenix, October 31, 1993
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After a tough day on set, Hollywood golden boy River Phoenix hits fashionable Los Angeles nightclub The Viper Room. He's looking forward to getting on stage and jamming with his friends. This is a moment he's been waiting for.

When the plan changes, a disappointed River ingests a lethal cocktail of drugs, staggers outside and collapses on the sidewalk. Paramedics are unable to revive him, and he dies shortly after. "Final 24" re-creates River's last day to tell the tragic tale of a young man whose short life was dominated by the constant pressure to perform.

Hunter S. Thompson, February 20, 2005
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Hunter S. Thompson was an author trapped in the body of a rock star. Thompson's constant questioning of authority and wild antics made him a hero for a generation of rebels across the globe. But in the end it wasn't enough.

A lifetime of alcohol and drug abuse was taking its toll. At 67, with a broken leg and two hip operations under his belt and in chronic pain, Thompson could no longer live up to the legend he'd created. On February 20, 2005, he decided to end it all with one of his favorite possessions, a Smith and Wesson .45. "Final 24" charts the life of this troubled genius and uncovers why a bullet to the head was the only way out.

Marvin Gaye, April 1, 1984
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On his last day alive, soul superstar Marvin Gaye is depressed and paranoid. He has abandoned his latest tour and is holed up at his parents' house in Los Angeles. His excessive drug use escalates, and with it, the tension in the home. Soon, his lifelong power struggle with his father explodes in a violent climax as Marvin provokes his father into shooting him twice.

"Final 24" delves into the Prince of Motown's violent childhood to uncover the root of Marvin's strained relationship with his strict father and to understand his struggle with drugs.

John Kennedy Jr., July 16, 1999 
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American royalty and a cultural icon, John F. Kennedy Jr.'s promise of living out his political legacy was cut short over the Atlantic Ocean one July night.

Kennedy's death and the deaths of his wife and his sister-in-law were the result of a series of bad decisions Kennedy had made over the course of his last day, a day plagued by stress. "Final 24" examines the string of errors that led to his tragic demise.

(Photos from Getty Images)