Full Breakdown
Clearwater Police Conclude Hulk Hogan Died of Natural Causes
6/9/2026, 3:49:49 AM
Core Findings: Natural Death Confirmed
The Clearwater Police Department released a 72-page report on June 8, 2026, stating that Terry Bollea—known professionally as Hulk Hogan—died of natural causes on July 24, 2025, at age 71. The investigation found “no evidence to indicate the death of Terry Bollea was anything other than natural” and classified the case as an attended natural death, with no criminal wrongdoing.
Background: Declining Health and Recent Surgeries
In the weeks before his death, Bollea was battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia, atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart rhythm), kidney failure, pneumonia, and the aftereffects of multiple surgeries. He had recently undergone a spinal-fusion procedure on his neck, a heart-valve repair, and a series of 20-30 knee, hip and back operations over his lifetime. Family members reported that he was on dialysis and had received a week of chemotherapy for leukemia.
Timeline of Events
- July 24, 2025 ? 9:51 a.m. – Sky Daily Hogan called 911, reporting her husband “doesn’t seem like he’s breathing.”
- ? 9:55 a.m. – Home health aide Dana Swinton and occupational therapist Justin McCamey joined Sky Daily Hogan in performing CPR.
- ? 10:21 a.m. – Clearwater Fire Rescue and Sunstar paramedics arrived, continued resuscitation, and transported Bollea to Morton Plant Hospital.
- 11:17 a.m. – Bollee was pronounced dead at the hospital.
- June 8, 2026 – Police released the final report, closing the investigation.
Data & Statistics: Health Profile at Time of Death
- Age: 71
- Diagnoses: chronic lymphocytic leukemia, atrial fibrillation, kidney failure, pneumonia
- Recent procedures: neck spinal-fusion surgery (? 6 weeks prior), heart-valve surgery (? 3 weeks prior)
- Surgical history: 20-30 orthopedic surgeries (knee, hip, back)
- Cause of death (medical examiner): acute myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Private autopsy conclusion: “exclusively from compelling natural disease,” with no traumatic or toxicologic contributions.
Official Statements & Responses
Clearwater Police emphasized that the exhaustive review of statements, medical records, surveillance footage, and a visual inspection found no criminal element. The department thanked Bollea’s wife, children (Nick and Brooke), and attorney Kevin Hayslett for their cooperation. WWE issued a condolence notice, describing Hogan as a “Hall of Famer” who helped the company achieve global recognition. The Pinellas-Pasco Medical Examiner’s Office affirmed the natural-cause ruling.
Criticism & Opposition: Phrenic Nerve Speculation and Malpractice Petition
Early in the investigation, occupational therapist McCamey suggested a possible phrenic-nerve injury from the recent neck surgery. He later clarified that he was not a medical specialist and was merely speculating. In September 2025, Hogan’s family filed a petition to extend the statute of limitations for a potential medical-malpractice claim, indicating ongoing civil concerns despite the police conclusion.
On-the-Ground Reports: Witness Accounts and Emergency Response
Witnesses—Sky Daily Hogan, Swinton, and McCamey—reported that Hogan had eaten yogurt and blueberries, was watching TV, and appeared “OK” earlier that morning. When his breathing ceased, they performed chest compressions until firefighters arrived. Police body-camera footage captured McCamey describing Bollea’s “very poor health” after surgery.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the medical examiner and private autopsy both ruled the death natural, initial media speculation linked the event to a phrenic-nerve injury. The police report notes that security-camera footage, private autopsy details, and certain medical records remain confidential under Florida law, leaving those aspects unpublicized.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There has been no evidence to indicate the death of Terry Bollea was anything other than natural,” — Clearwater Police Department (report)
- “My husband — it doesn’t seem like he’s breathing.” — Sky Daily Hogan, 911 call
- “Mr. Bollea’s health has been very poor ever since the surgery. Mr. Bollea has had approximately 20-30 various knee, hip, and back surgeries over the years.” — Justin McCamey, occupational therapist
- “Their willingness to allow our investigators access to very personal information, at a time when they were grieving and struggling, was extremely helpful.” — Clearwater Police Department statement
- “In a statement shared with People after his death, World Wrestling Entertainment said: "WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.” — WWE official statement
What’s Next: Ongoing Civil Inquiry
The family’s malpractice petition remains pending, and any legal determinations will proceed independently of the police investigation. Authorities have indicated that additional medical records may be reviewed as part of that civil process.
