The death of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has taken a dramatic turn as new reports suggest medical malpractice may have played a role in his passing. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, died at age 71 on July 24 after what was initially ruled as cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home. But weeks later, questions are mounting about whether mistakes during a medical procedure may have contributed to his sudden death.
According to a report from TMZ, an occupational therapist who was present when Hogan collapsed told officers responding to the 911 call that the star’s phrenic nerve may have been severed during a recent surgery. The phrenic nerve is crucial to breathing, as it controls the diaphragm, the muscle responsible for inhaling and exhaling. Damage to this nerve can paralyze the diaphragm and cause life-threatening breathing problems.
The therapist’s claim was reportedly discussed by police at the scene and was captured on body camera footage. This revelation comes as family members, particularly Hogan’s daughter Brooke, have publicly voiced their own suspicions about what really happened.
Brooke Hogan has demanded access to police body cam video and 911 call recordings from the day her father died, claiming that professionals who contacted her believe the material could “shed enough light to change the narrative.” She also said multiple sources have urged her to push for answers, though she emphasized she has no legal authority over decisions surrounding her father’s case or remains.
Brooke’s concerns follow earlier comments where she hinted at foul play and questioned why an autopsy had not been performed. She has since clarified that while she wants answers, she understands nothing will bring her father back. Still, she has continued to suggest that crucial details remain hidden.
Medical Malpractice Killed Hulk Hogan?
A massive surgical error may have contributed to Hulk Hogan’s demise.⁰⁰According to a Thursday report, an occupational therapist who was inside the Hogan home during the WWE star’s final breath told police that a surgeon “severed” his… pic.twitter.com/jWLlBhG72s
— Tony Seruga (@TonySeruga) August 22, 2025
Medical Malpractice Killed Hulk Hogan?Adding to the confusion, reports emerged that Hogan had been preparing for dialysis in the days before his death, raising questions about whether his kidneys were failing. Medics who treated him reportedly administered drugs to reduce high potassium levels—a symptom of kidney failure—and Narcan, which is used to reverse opioid overdoses. Authorities have not suggested Hogan overdosed.
The Pinellas County Medical Examiner chose not to conduct an autopsy, ruling Hogan’s death as natural and not suspicious. That decision has fueled speculation from Hogan’s friends and family, with radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge even suggesting a “quick cremation” raised additional concerns. Bubba also hinted that something could have been injected into Hogan’s dialysis port while he slept, though no evidence has supported that claim.
Meanwhile, Hogan’s wife, Sky Daily, has urged the public not to believe conspiracy theories, calling out “misleading media stories” and rumors from people not close to the situation. She has asked for patience as the family processes the loss.
In the weeks before his death, Hogan was said to be trying to regain his health after decades of injuries and more than 25 surgeries. A source close to him described his body as “ravaged by wrestling,” noting how difficult it had become for him to recover from recent neck and back operations.
Despite the swirling speculation, police have maintained there are no signs of foul play. Hogan was pronounced dead less than 90 minutes after emergency responders arrived at his home. For fans who grew up watching him dominate the wrestling world, the unanswered questions about his final moments are leaving them uneasy.
Hulk Hogan’s death could have been a result of medical malpractice pic.twitter.com/4TkWVJxg6c
— • Angry Frog
• (@angrifrog) As the debate continues over whether medical malpractice or hidden complications played a role, the spotlight now turns to whether an autopsy will be performed, and if body camera or 911 footage will be released to the family. For now, Hulk Hogan’s final chapter remains clouded by mystery.
