In a surprising turn of events following the death of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, his family has initiated steps that could lead to a medical malpractice lawsuit concerning his passing. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Blea, died on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71 in his Clearwater, Florida home. Initially, the Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death a natural one, attributing it to a heart attack resulting from atrial fibrillation and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. However, subsequent reports have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his death, prompting Hogan’s widow, Sky Daly, and his son, Nicholas Blea, to seek further investigation.
On September 15, Hogan’s family filed a petition in Pinellas County requesting a 90-day extension to investigate potential medical malpractice claims. This filing specifically names Morton Plant Hospital, where Hogan was pronounced dead, and two doctors, Thomas Roush and Gilm H. Oliviera, as well as “any and all other applicable health care providers.” The extension is standard procedure in Florida for cases involving medical malpractice, allowing plaintiffs additional time to gather evidence before formally initiating a lawsuit.
Hogan’s death has sparked controversy due to conflicting narratives regarding his health prior to his passing. Friends and family, including WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart, expressed shock at the sudden nature of Hogan’s demise, noting that he appeared to be in good spirits just days before. Reports indicate he collapsed at home while recovering from a neck surgery he underwent in May, raising concerns from Daly about whether complications from that surgery may have contributed to his death. Specifically, she alleges that Hogan’s phrenic nerve, which controls breathing, was compromised during the procedure, leading to long-term respiratory difficulties.
The Clearwater Police Department is currently conducting an active investigation into Hogan’s death, stating that the unique nature of the case requires thorough interviews and the examination of multiple medical records. To date, no body camera footage or other records related to the case have been publicly released, although the police have indicated that these materials remain crucial to their ongoing inquiry.
Daly’s concerns about the medical care Hogan received are echoed by reports that an occupational therapist present at his home on the day of his death informed police that the phrenic nerve may have been severed during his recent surgery. This potential surgical error has raised serious questions about the adequacy of the medical care Hogan received, particularly given the short timeframe between his discharge from the hospital and his subsequent death.
In the context of a potential lawsuit, legal experts indicate that the death certificate, while indicative of a natural cause, does not preclude the possibility of a civil claim being pursued. The complexity of this case is compounded by the involvement of multiple healthcare providers and the need to establish a clear link between alleged medical negligence and Hogan’s death. As the family embarks on this legal journey, they emphasize that they wish to complete a thorough investigation before proceeding with any further actions.
Public interest in this case remains high, especially given Hogan’s status as a beloved figure in professional wrestling and entertainment. As the investigation unfolds, further developments are anticipated, and the implications of this potential legal action could resonate beyond Hogan’s family, prompting discussions about medical standards and accountability in healthcare. The family has made it clear that they will not proceed with cremation until the investigation is concluded, underscoring their commitment to uncovering the truth surrounding Hogan’s death.
