HULK Hogan’s widow is preparing to take legal action against doctors after claiming a neck surgery months before his death left the wrestling icon struggling to breathe.
The WWE Hall of Famer died on July 24 at his $8million Clearwater Beach mansion, aged 71, after suffering a heart attack.
Hulk Hogan’s widow Sky Daily (left) is investigating doctors for alleged malpractice[/caption]
She claims a May neck surgery compromised his phrenic nerve[/caption]
This allegedly caused breathing issues, worsening his health before death last month[/caption]
But his widow Sky Daily, 46, says the tragedy may have been worsened by mistakes made in a May operation.
She told the Daily Mail: “We are investigating for possible malpractice.
“If you have shortness of breath for a long time, that makes you very sick.
“It’s not something that’s an alarming (sudden) cause of death. It’s something that wears on you, makes you weak.”
Asked if that could have contributed to his death, she replied: “Definitely.”
Sky claims Hogan’s phrenic nerve – which controls breathing – was “compromised” during the procedure.
In the months leading up to his death, the wrestling legend was reportedly short of breath and weakened.
His embalmed body has been lying at a Clearwater funeral home for more than five weeks as the family waits to conclude the medical investigation.
“We will be cremating him shortly as we are wrapping up this medical investigation,” Sky revealed.
The sensational allegation first surfaced when occupational therapist Justin McCamey, 54, flagged concerns to cops.
He reportedly said Hogan’s nerve had been “severed” during surgery.
Sky insists it wasn’t cut through, but damaged.
She said: “We’ve all known about it for a while. It’s not brand new information.”
The widow also dismissed online conspiracy theories that targeted Hogan’s personal physician, Dr Gerald Fitzgerald, insisting: “To me it’s irresponsible to go out and slander doctors.
“That poor man never even gave him a scrip.”
Hogan had been under the care of Tampa General Hospital in recent months, though Sky declined to name the facility or doctors who carried out the surgery, the Mail reported.
She praised Clearwater Police for their handling of the investigation, adding: “They’ve looked at all the cameras. They’ve counted all the medicines. They’ve done everything that they would normally do.”
What is the phrenic nerve?
THE phrenic nerve is a crucial nerve that runs from the neck down to the diaphragm – the muscle that powers breathing.
Each person has a left and right phrenic nerve.
Their job is to tell the diaphragm when to contract, pulling air into the lungs.
If the nerve is damaged or compromised, breathing can be shallow or dificult.
And in severe cases, injury to the phrenic nerve can lead to respiratory failure.
Doctors say problems with the nerve don’t usually cause a sudden collapse – but they can leave a patient weakened and short of breath over time, increasing strain on the heart and body.
The ongoing investigation has deepened family drama.
Hogan’s estranged daughter Brooke, 37, has publicly questioned the circumstances of his death – at one stage demanding police bodycam footage and 911 tapes.
She posted earlier this month: “I cannot do anything, my hands are tied, and I have no say in anything regarding my dad – even as his daughter. Those are the rules as I’ve been told.”
But her stance softened after visiting her father’s body at the Clearwater funeral home on Tuesday.
She later appeared on Bubba the Love Sponge’s radio show, saying: “He looked like he was ready to go on TV.
“He was big, strong, hair looking good, bandana, Fu Manchu going on – he looked great. I said a prayer over him and got to say my final goodbyes. It was super nice.”
The wrestling legend’s body remains uncremated as his family awaits the conclusion of a medical investigation[/caption]
Hogan was laid to rest in a private funeral ceremony earlier this month[/caption]
The wrestling icon – real name Terry Bollea – was known worldwide for his “Hulkamania” era[/caption]
Brooke confirmed an autopsy had been performed, bringing her some peace.
“Everybody appears to be acting in good faith and doing the right thing,” she said.
The wrestling icon – real name Terry Bollea – was known worldwide for his “Hulkamania” era, starring roles in movies like Rocky III, and his trademark yellow bandana and handlebar moustache.
He was laid to rest at a private funeral in early August, attended by WWE legends, Kid Rock, Theo Von, and ex-wife Linda.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis even declared July 26 “Hulk Hogan Day”, ordering flags at half-mast in tribute.
