Hulk Hogan death investigation reveals daughter's autopsy concerns
Hulk Hogan's death has officially been classified as "an attended natural death," according to a 72-page report from law enforcement obtained by USA TODAY.
When the wrestling icon died last year at the age of 71 after suffering cardiac arrest, the Clearwater Police Department in Florida launched an investigation into the case due to concerns from family and others close to him. Nearly one year later, authorities announced the probe has concluded.
A copy of the report revealed that Hogan's daughter, Brooke Hogan Oleksy, 38, called police days after her late father's death to express concerns about his "medical history, advising that she was told recently that medical personnel may have 'botched' his recent surgery."
An officer stated that he "heard the same unconfirmed allegation" and assured Hogan Olesky that authorities "would look into it." The report showed that Hogan's occupational therapist alleged a nerve in Hogan's neck was damaged during a surgery, but he later said he "spoke out of turn."
During her call with the officer, Hogan Olesky "also brought up her concerns of cremation in relation to an outside private autopsy" – a decision the officer said would be up to Hogan's wife, Sky. Before ending the call, Hogan Olesky requested "any/all lab work available related to her father's death," and the officer directed her to a hospital legal division.
The findings of Hulk Hogan's autopsy
Florida's District Six Medical Examiner's office declined to perform an autopsy, but Hogan's family had a private autopsy conducted on Aug. 16, per the report. The doctor found that the WWE star "died exclusively from compelling natural disease, with no reasonable traumatic or terminal toxicologic contributions. As such, the manner of death is also natural."
In late July, the Pinellas County Forensic Science Center stated in a cremation approval summary report that the WWE star died of acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, according to documents previously obtained by USA TODAY.
The center noted Hogan's history of atrial fibrillation, a condition resulting in irregular and rapid heart rhythm, was a contributing factor. Hogan also had leukemia CLL, a type of cancer that affects white blood cells and bone marrow.
A spokesperson for the center said Hogan's primary care physician signed off on his death.
Contributing: Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY