The wrestling world continues to mourn the passing of WWE legend Hulk Hogan, who died on July 24, 2025. New and disturbing details have emerged surrounding the circumstances of his death, centering on potential medical malpractice involving a nerve injury during surgery. Hogan’s widow, Sky Daily, confirmed that his phrenic nerve was “compromised” during a recent surgical procedure, a critical nerve responsible for controlling the diaphragm and breathing. An autopsy has been performed, although the full results remain confidential as law enforcement investigations proceed[1][2][3].
According to reports from TMZ and other wrestling news outlets, an occupational therapist who was present at Hogan’s Florida home when he stopped breathing told responding police officers that the wrestling icon may have suffered serious medical negligence. The therapist alleged that during a surgery—possibly related either to heart repair or a neck procedure—a surgeon severed Hogan’s phrenic nerve[1][2][5].
The importance of the phrenic nerve cannot be overstated: It stimulates the diaphragm, the primary muscle for breathing. Damage to this nerve can lead to respiratory failure, which appears to have been the tragic outcome in Hogan’s final moments. Hogan’s wife, Sky, was reportedly the one who called 911 after noticing he had ceased breathing[1][2][3].
Family Calls for Transparency as Investigation Continues
Hogan’s daughter, Brooke Hogan, has publicly called for an autopsy and greater transparency about her father’s death. She suspects that police footage from the scene, including bodycam recordings of officers discussing the occupational therapist’s claim, could shed new light on what truly happened. So far, it remains unclear if Hogan’s body has been cremated, with his widow confirming it has not been, preserving the opportunity for further testing if necessary[1][2][5].
The Clearwater Police Department has confirmed it is conducting a thorough investigation. Detectives have interviewed multiple witnesses and are gathering extensive medical records to piece together the events leading to Hogan’s death. A department spokesperson emphasized the complexity of the case, stating the investigation is ongoing and taking time due to the sensitive nature of the evidence[5].
Wrestling Community Reacts
The WWE and broader wrestling community remain shocked by the tragic loss. Hogan, one of the most iconic and influential figures in professional wrestling history, had a career spanning decades yet remained active in various capacities within the industry until recent years.
Sources close to Hogan told Fightful and WWE.com that there is a deep concern about the possibility of medical malpractice in such a high-profile case. This has sparked conversations about the importance of surgical safety and postoperative care for wrestling veterans who often undergo multiple surgeries as a consequence of their physically demanding careers.
What We Know So Far
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Hulk Hogan’s Death | July 24, 2025 |
| Reported Cause of Death | Respiratory failure linked to phrenic nerve damage |
| Nerve Involved | Phrenic nerve |
| Alleged Surgery Type | Unclear — heart repair or neck surgery |
| Widow’s Statement | Nerve was “compromised” during surgery |
| Autopsy Status | Completed; full results not publicly released |
| Family Calls | Brooke Hogan demands transparency and evidence release |
| Police Investigation | Active; collecting medical records and interviewing witnesses |
| Hogan’s Body | Not cremated as of last update |
Conclusion
The death of Hulk Hogan has raised serious questions about surgical care, with medical experts and wrestling insiders awaiting the full autopsy report and investigation outcomes. According to a WWE insider, “The entire industry is holding its breath to see if this case exposes gaps in medical care for its legends.”
As the wrestling community honors Hogan’s legacy, the hope is that the truth behind his untimely death will provide clarity and justice for his family. Further updates will follow as more information is released by law enforcement and Hogan’s representatives.
This article is based on reports from TMZ, ProWrestling.net, Fightful, WWE.com, and verified local law enforcement releases as of August 21, 2025.