Bohemian Rhapsody trailer: How did Freddie Mercury die? The Queen frontman's final days

Fans were able to see the first proper look at the Queen biopic today.

Malek’s performance as Freddie has garnered huge attention, especially after the original star, Sacha Baron Cohen, left the prooduction.

All the footage in the trailer shows a younger, healthier Freddie, in the prime of his life. It is hard to reconcile with the heartbreaking images and footage of the singer in the final months.

How did Freddie die? Could he have lived longer if he had folowed doctors’ advice?

Freddie Mercury died on November 24, 1991. He was only 45 years old.

Like all the greatest icons, he lives on forever in our memories but it is incredible to think that he would have been 71 today, had he lived.

Shortly before his death, the star formally confirmed that he had AIDS, but he did not die directly from the condition.

The official cause of death was Bronchopneumonia, severe inflammation of the lungs which causes chest pains, fever and trouble breathing. 

AIDS causes the body’s immune system to fail, which renders the body highly vulnerable to numerous infections and attacks.

Freddie was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in April 1987, according to his partner Jim Hutton.

Thanks to new medications today, HIV no longer progresses to AIDS but in the 1980s it was almost always a death sentence.

From June 1991 Freddie was mainly housebound as his health deteriorated, but the singer himself chose to stop taking medication. 

In the final months, his former partner Mary Austin moved back into the Kensington home as primary companion and carer, superted by Freddie’s friends, family and badmantes.

Towarsd the end, bedbound and with his sight failing, Freddie decided to stop taking the medicatiom prescribed by doctor to help fight AIDS and the related complcations. He chose to only take painkillers and allow nature to take its course.

Friends and family kept vigil by his bedside so he was never alone.

On 23 November 1991, Fredie issued a formal statement: “Following the enormous conjecture in the press over the last two weeks, I wish to confirm that I have been tested HIV positive and have AIDS. I felt it correct to keep this information private to date to protect the privacy of those around me. However, the time has come now for my friends and fans around the world to know the truth and I hope that everyone will join with me, my doctors and all those worldwide in the fight against this terrible disease.” 

The following evening, November 24, Freddie died at home, with his friend Dave Clark, of The Dave Clark Five, at his bedside. 

Mary Austin telephoned Freddie’s parents and sister with the news before the world media broke the story the next morning.

The world had lost a great star. Popular music had lost a unique voice, writer and performer.

Fans will be hoping that the new movie does justice to his memory and incredible legacy.

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY IS OUT IN UK CINEMAS ON OCTOBER 24