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A Heavy WeightAuthor: A Heavy Weight
In a world where some stories go untold, A Heavy Weight is a true crime podcast series that aims to give voice to the voiceless and shed light on forgotten or overlooked cases. Each season takes you on a gripping journey through the depths of unsolved mysteries, cold cases, and wrongful convictions. For more information and to see our source materials visit: www.aheavyweight.com A Heavy Weight is intended for mature audiences. It discusses topics that may be triggering for some listeners including drug use and suicide. Language: en Genres: True Crime Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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What Happened to Joseph Smedley? Episode Seven: Extremely Unusual
Tuesday, 18 November, 2025
Joseph Smedley’s death was ruled a suicide by drowning, with alcohol and cannabinoids listed as contributing factors. In this episode, we slow down and examine that conclusion through the lens of Joseph’s autopsy and toxicology reports.Forensic pathologist Dr. Darrin Wolfe and drowning expert Andrea Zaferes walk us through what those reports can and can’t tell us in a decomposed body recovered from water. We talk about the rare nature of suicide by drowning, the backpack filled with rocks, conflicting details about how Joseph was found, and the critical questions his family still doesn’t have answers to, about his phone, the handwritten note, and missing scene photos.This is not about solving Joseph’s case in one episode. It’s about understanding why so many people, including experts, see his death as extremely unusual.Content note: This episode includes discussion of a death that was ruled a suicide. If you’re thinking about suicide, worried about someone, or need support, please reach out. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 or chat via 988lifeline.org for 24/7 free, confidential help. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact your local crisis line or emergency services.
