What type of fusion occurs in a high-mass star near the end stages of its life cycle?

It would still be the same fusion, but of different elements. Neon will be fused into iron, if the star is massive enough, and this will build up in the star's core until the balance between radiation force and gravity is upset. The outer layers of the star will be flung into space in a massive supernova explosion.

So it is really not the type of fusion as it is the element being fused that leads to a high-mass star's death.

carbon

explanation: