The family of the late professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan is taking steps that could lead to a medical malpractice lawsuit over his death in July. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, suffered what was initially ruled to be a natural heart attack, having had a history of health issues such as leukemia and atrial fibrillation, according to findings by the Pinellas County Medical Examiner and reported by FOX 13 News.
The situation took a turn when a therapist was quoted by TMZ, stating Hogan's phrenic nerve was "compromised" during a recent surgery, as mentioned on FOX 13 News. This claim is fueling the family's concern and has been partially corroborated by Hogan's widow, who confirmed the nerve damage in an interview with TMZ. The family has now filed a petition in Pinellas County to extend the statute of limitations for a malpractice investigation by ninety days, focusing on Hogan's care both at Morton Plant Hospital, where he was declared dead, as well as Tampa General Hospital, as per court documents cited by WFLA.
Beyond the shadowy whispers of potential medical missteps, Clearwater Police Department has engaged with Hogan's family in a probing investigation. The "unique nature of this case has required us to interview multiple witnesses and seek medical records from a variety of providers, and our detectives continue to do that," the department stated to the WFLA in August. This statement reveals the active engagement of law enforcement in bringing clarity to the circumstances surrounding Hogan's passing.
As this is an evolving story, the potential defendants, Morton Plant Hospital and Tampa General Hospital, have not publically acknowledged the allegations. Baycare Health System has responded to inquiries by saying they cannot comment on active litigation, while responses from Tampa General Hospital are still pending, according to FOX 13 News. As the 90-day extension sought by Hogan's family ticks away, further developments are anticipated in this unfolding narrative.
The developments in this case are being closely watched, with updates expected as the family and investigative authorities dig deeper into the details of Hogan's medical treatment. This information is reported by New York Post.
