Police finally reveal how Hulk Hogan died after year-long investigation
Nearly a year on from Hulk Hogan's passing, an investigation into the cause of his death has finally concluded.
The iconic wrestler, whose real name was Terry Bollea, died at the age of 71 on 25 July following a cardiac arrest, but the family had suggested that medical malpractice might have been a crucial factor in his passing.
Hogan cut a controversial figure throughout his career, as he was briefly cut from the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) hall of fame after racism allegations in 2015, although he was restored in 2018.
It was reported last year that the American media personality had died of acute myocardial infarction, while it was also revealed that he had chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, a type of cancer that attacks the white blood cells.
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However, just a few months later, his family would drop the bombshell claim that a surgery shortly before his death had 'severed his phrenic nerve', a critical sensory and motor nerve which originates in the neck.
While the family claimed that this had contributed to his death, the year-long investigation has now found that the sporting sensation died of 'natural causes'.
"Following an exhaustive review of the statements, medical records, surveillance footage from within the residence, and a visual inspection of Mr. Bollea's body, there has been no evidence to indicate the death of Terry Bollea was anything other than natural," investigators wrote.
The report added: "Through the course of the investigation, there has been no evidence to indicate any criminal wrongdoing related to his death."
In October, the family had filed a petition seeking an extension to the statute of limitations for a potential medical malpractice investigation, but Clearwater Police Department confirmed yesterday (5 June) that they had closed their investigation, and thanked Hulk's family and legal team for their cooperation.
The 72-page report also found that there was no evidence of foul play or criminal wrongdoing, while the therapist who initially advised the family about the severing of the phrenic nerve also clarified in a follow-up interview with police that he was not a medical specialist and was merely speculating based on information he had heard in the two weeks he had been working with the former wrestler.
Following his death last year, the WWE paid tribute, writing: "WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans."
Although his personal beliefs will be rightly questioned, particularly after a Netflix documentary captured some of the wrestler's racist rants, there is no doubt that the Hulk's legendary moustache and performance skills helped to inspire a generation of wrestling fans.
James Moorhouse