Hulk Hogan Death May Be Result of Medical Malpractice, Report

The report states cops spoke with an occupational therapist at the scene of Hogan's home who expressed their concerns.

Hulk Hogan wearing a black bandana and sunglasses on his head, at a Hard Rock event backdrop.
Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

Hulk Hogan's death may be the result of medical malpractice, according to a new report.

TMZ reports they've spoken with law enforcement sources in Florida with direct knowledge of the investigation into Hogan's death. The report states that when officers arrived to Hogan's Clearwater Beach home—after he stopped breathing, an occupational therapist was present.

The therapist reportedly told cops they believed Hogan was the victim of medical malpractice and that during a recent medical procedure a surgeon "severed" his phrenic nerve.

The phrenic nerve is responsible for sending signals to the diaphragm, allowing the lungs to inhale and exhale air. The TMZ report states there's bodycam footage of the officers talking about what the therapist had said, and reason to believe the conversation with the therapist is also on bodycam.

The latest information comes on the heels of criticism and suspicion from Hogan's daughter Brook about the circumstances surround her dad's death.

Earlier this month she took to Instagram to write, "I'm glad to see that my dad has not been cremated and that Sky is waiting because of family questions." She continued, "With all of the speculation and uncertainty of my dad's death, I want to personally offer to pay for an autopsy if that's what it takes to get it done. My dad's dignity and legacy deserves it."

Hogan's cause of death was initially listed as a heart attack by the Pinellas County Forensic Science Center. Shortly after that information was made public, Brooke posted, "Because yes, you can have a heart attack, but what was the reason for the heart attack is the question."

The 71-year-old wresting legend died July 24 after he stopped breathing at his Florida home. Social media video showed paramedics performing CPR on Hogan as he was taken out of his home on a stretcher.

In the days that followed, Hogan was honored by the WWE with a 10-bell salute as messages of support for his loved ones poured in across social media.

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