Clearwater, Florida – August 28, 2025
Brooke Hogan, the estranged daughter of the late WWE legend Hulk Hogan, made a poignant visit to a Florida funeral home on August 26 to view her father’s preserved body nearly a month after his death, amid lingering questions about the circumstances surrounding his passing. The 37-year-old singer and reality TV star confirmed she sat with Hulk’s corpse—embalmed and looking “ready to go on TV”—to personally verify that an autopsy had been conducted and to say her final goodbyes, as she revealed during an emotional appearance on Bubba the Love Sponge’s radio show. Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, died on July 24, 2025, at age 71 from an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) at his Clearwater home, with medical records citing a history of leukemia and atrial fibrillation. Despite official reports ruling the death natural, Brooke’s actions have reignited speculation about potential foul play, opioids, or medical negligence.
Brooke, accompanied by her husband, former NHL player Steven Oleksy, arrived at the funeral home looking somber, clutching a memorial pamphlet bearing her father’s real name. Sources told TMZ and Daily Mail that the visit was driven by Brooke’s need for closure, as she had been estranged from Hulk since 2023 and learned of his death via text message. Hulk’s widow, Sky Daily, whom he married in 2023, confirmed to Daily Mail that the body remains uncremated, stating, “Brooke asked me if she could visit her father and of course I said yes.” Daily has revealed that a private autopsy was performed, though results remain undisclosed, and she has halted cremation plans—Hulk’s stated wish—to address family concerns about his medical care.
During the radio interview, Brooke described the experience as bittersweet: “He looked like he was ready to go on TV. He was big, strong, you know, hair looking good, bandana on … he looked great! It was awesome to see him. I said a prayer over him and I got to say my final goodbyes.” She emphasized her father’s toughness, saying, “My daddy raised me to be tough and I had to do what I had to do to make sure that I saw what I needed to see.” The visit came after Brooke publicly questioned the lack of a public autopsy and the sudden revelation of Hulk’s leukemia diagnosis, which she claimed was unknown despite her involvement in his prior medical care. “I saw his blood work every time… One doctor said his blood is like a 25-year-old’s. How did nobody catch a high white blood cell count?” she wondered on the show.
Brooke’s suspicions escalated in mid-August when she posted on Instagram Stories, claiming professionals—including police and nurses—contacted her urging her to obtain bodycam footage and 911 tapes, as they allegedly contain information that could “change the narrative.” She noted the materials are “on lockdown” and unavailable via the Freedom of Information Act, and questioned why Hulk’s primary care doctor certified the death certificate without further scrutiny. An occupational therapist at the scene reportedly suggested Hulk’s phrenic nerve—controlling breathing—was severed during recent neck surgery, potentially contributing to his sudden respiratory failure rather than a typical heart attack. Daily echoed these concerns, telling TMZ the nerve was “compromised,” hinting at possible medical malpractice.
The Clearwater Police Department has confirmed an ongoing investigation, stating they’ve interviewed multiple witnesses and are reviewing medical records, but emphasized “no signs of foul play or anything suspicious.” Brooke clarified she suspects no foul play but seeks answers due to Hulk’s “complicated medical history,” and offered to personally fund an autopsy if needed. She also backtracked on earlier conspiracy theories, praising Daily as “respectful and classy” and denying any beef between them.
The Hogan family dynamics add layers to the story. Brooke and Hulk were estranged, partly due to his treatment of her and lack of interest in meeting her twin newborns, Molly and Oliver, born in January 2025. Brooke opted out of Hulk’s $25 million will in 2023 to avoid disputes, though she stands to receive life insurance funds for her children’s education. She skipped his August 5 funeral, choosing a private beach tribute to honor his love for the ocean. Her brother, Nick Hogan, has been more involved, acting as “boots on the ground.”
Hulk’s death certificate lists leukemia without an autopsy, sparking Brooke’s initial outrage. Daily has slammed “misleading media stories” and AI-generated fakes, urging patience. As the investigation continues, Brooke’s visit appears to have brought some peace: “It was a really beautiful day and it answered a lot of questions for me,” she said. Fans on X have shared mixed reactions, from support for Brooke’s quest for truth to calls for respecting the family’s privacy amid the spectacle. The saga underscores the wrestling icon’s enduring legacy—and the personal toll it took on his family.