A surgical mishap may have played a role in the death of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, who passed away at age 71 on July 24, 2025. According to his wife, Sky Daily, a recent procedure compromised Hogan’s phrenic nerve, potentially impacting his ability to breathe.
Sky Daily revealed to TMZ Sports that the phrenic nerve, critical for diaphragm function and breathing, was affected during one of Hogan’s surgeries. She confirmed an autopsy was conducted but withheld specific findings, leaving questions unanswered.
An occupational therapist present at Hogan’s Clearwater, Florida, home when he stopped breathing told police that a surgeon had “severed” his phrenic nerve. According to TMZ, the police report detailing this claim is currently restricted.
Body camera footage from officers at the scene captured discussions about the therapist’s account, adding weight to the allegations of a surgical error. The Cleveland Clinic notes that the phrenic nerve is vital for respiratory function, making such an injury potentially life-threatening.
Official records from the Pinellas County Forensic Science Center list Hogan’s cause of death as a heart attack. His medical history included an irregular heartbeat and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a cancer affecting white blood cells.
Hogan’s daughter, Brooke, has publicly questioned the circumstances of her father’s death. She has offered to fund an autopsy to uncover the truth, expressing doubts about the official narrative.
Sky Daily noted that Hogan’s cremation has been delayed due to ongoing concerns about his medical care. As of her latest statement to TMZ, his body has not yet been cremated, prolonging the family’s search for clarity.
Brooke, aged 37, addressed the speculation in a series of Instagram Story posts. She urged the public to stop speculating and confirmed she has shared all known details with her brother, Nick Hogan, who is closely involved in the situation.
Brooke revealed that professionals, including police officials and nurses present on the day of Hogan’s death, contacted her. They urged her to review body camera footage and 911 tapes, believing these could reveal critical information that might alter the reported cause of death.
These professionals, Brooke claimed, are risking their careers to advocate for transparency, convinced that the evidence could shift the narrative surrounding Hogan’s passing. Their persistence has fueled her determination to seek answers.
The unfolding mystery surrounding Hulk Hogan’s death continues to captivate fans and raise questions about the medical care he received. As the family awaits further clarity, the wrestling world mourns the loss of a legend.