Hulk Hogan’s Widow Sky Daily Plans to Sue Doctors Over ‘Botched’ Neck Surgery Before WWE Legend’s Death
In a shocking development following the passing of WWE icon Hulk Hogan, his widow Sky Daily has announced plans to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctors involved in a neck surgery she claims went horribly wrong, contributing to the wrestling legend’s untimely death. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, died on July 24, 2025, at age 71 from cardiac arrest at his Clearwater Beach, Florida home. Daily, 46, alleges that the procedure in May compromised Hogan’s phrenic nerve, leading to chronic shortness of breath that weakened him over time. As the family awaits autopsy results and prepares for cremation, this legal battle sheds light on potential oversights in Hogan’s care, drawing widespread attention to the toll of his wrestling career on his health.
The Alleged Botched Surgery: Phrenic Nerve Damage and Its Role in Hogan’s Decline
Details of the Neck Procedure
Hogan underwent a four-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) in May 2025, a complex surgery aimed at addressing chronic neck issues stemming from decades of high-impact wrestling. Daily claims the operation damaged Hogan’s phrenic nerve, which is crucial for controlling the diaphragm and facilitating breathing. This resulted in persistent shortness of breath, not a sudden failure but a gradual weakening that she believes played a “definite” role in his cardiac arrest. In the 911 call on the day of his death, Daily urgently reported, “My husband’s not breathing. He just stopped breathing,” with sources confirming it was respiratory failure rather than an abrupt heart attack.
Daily emphasized that the nerve was not fully “severed,” as initially suggested by an occupational therapist, but left “compromised” and “damaged,” based on documented medical records from the time. Hogan had endured over 25 surgeries in the decade prior, including multiple back operations and joint replacements, due to the physical demands of his career. Just a week before his death, Daily had publicly downplayed health rumors, assuring fans he was recovering steadily but dealing with the surgery’s intense healing process, including impacts on his vocal cords and breathing tubes.
The Therapist’s Revelation and Police Involvement
The concerns first emerged when occupational therapist Justin McCamey, 54, from Land O’Lakes, Florida, who was at Hogan’s home on the day he died, informed police that the phrenic nerve damage from the surgery might be linked to the cardiac arrest. McCamey, drawing from medical records, initially described the nerve as “severed,” prompting an investigation. Daily clarified it was damaged, not severed, and noted McCamey did not witness anything firsthand. When approached by reporters, McCamey denied his identity before closing the door, and his wife Tara stated, “Justin has gone away. Things aren’t good right now.” Clearwater police have reviewed home cameras, medications, and records, finding no evidence of foul play or over-prescription by Hogan’s personal physician, Dr. Gerald Fitzgerald, whom Daily defended against online rumors.
Background: Hogan’s Health Struggles and Family Dynamics
Hogan’s wrestling legacy, spanning from 1977 with WWF (now WWE) to WCW, made him a pop culture phenomenon in the 1980s, headlining WrestleMania and holding the WWF Championship for 1,474 days. However, the physical toll was immense, leading to numerous injuries and surgeries. He married Daily, a yoga instructor and accountant, in September 2023 after divorces from Linda Claridge (2007) and Jennifer McDaniel (2021). Their union was his third, and Daily has been vocal about supporting his recovery.
The medical examiner ruled Hogan’s death as “natural” due to acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), but Daily’s private autopsy—ordered as part of the malpractice probe—has fueled doubts. Hogan’s body has remained embalmed at a Clearwater funeral home for nearly five weeks, delaying cremation per his wishes, as the family gathers evidence. Daily described the process as “time-consuming,” involving record requests and approvals. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared July 26 “Hulk Hogan Day,” with flags at half-mast, and WWE honored him with a 10-bell salute.
Family tensions have arisen, particularly with estranged daughter Brooke Hogan, who initially questioned the death’s circumstances, demanding bodycam footage and 911 tapes while denying leukemia rumors. After viewing her father’s body at the funeral home and meeting with detectives, Brooke expressed relief, stating he “looked great” and that everyone was “acting in good faith.” She and her husband, former NHL player Steve Oleksy, visited an attorney post-visit.
Key Details and Verified Facts
- Surgery Date and Type: May 2025, four-level ACDF neck surgery at an unnamed facility (not Tampa General Hospital, where Hogan received post-op care).
- Phrenic Nerve Impact: Controls diaphragm; damage causes chronic shortness of breath, potentially leading to weakness and cardiac strain over time.
- Death Circumstances: July 24, 2025, at $8 million Clearwater Beach home; no sudden heart attack, but respiratory cessation per 911 audio.
- Investigation Status: Private autopsy completed; lawsuit “planning” stage, focusing on at least one doctor; no timeline for filing or cremation.
- Hogan’s Medical History: 25+ surgeries in 10 years; no over-prescription by personal physician.
Daily has stressed the probe’s thoroughness, assuring, “I know the truth will come out.”
Expert Opinions and Public Reactions
Medical experts note that phrenic nerve damage from neck surgery is a known risk, potentially causing diaphragmatic paralysis and respiratory issues, especially in patients with Hogan’s history of spinal wear. Legal analysts view the case as viable if the autopsy links the damage to his death, but challenging due to the “natural” ruling—malpractice suits often hinge on proving negligence caused harm.
Public reactions on social media and wrestling forums are a mix of sympathy and speculation. WWE legends like Ric Flair mourned Hogan as a “talented athlete” and “incredible friend,” while fans on X expressed shock: “Hulk Hogan’s widow suing over botched surgery? This is heartbreaking—get justice for the Hulkster!” Others questioned family dynamics, with posts like “Brooke finally gets closure, but the lawsuit drama continues.” TMZ and Daily Mail coverage has amplified the story, trending on wrestling sites like Cageside Seats, where fans debate if the surgery’s risks were adequately disclosed. Supporters praise Daily’s pursuit of answers, but some criticize delays in cremation as “disrespectful.”
Impact on U.S. Readers: Sports, Health, and Legal Precedents
Sports and Wrestling Legacy
For wrestling fans, this saga humanizes Hogan’s larger-than-life persona, highlighting the long-term health costs of the industry—similar to cases involving spinal stenosis in retired athletes. It could prompt WWE to enhance medical support for alumni, influencing athlete welfare discussions amid rising scrutiny of CTE and injury disclosures. Economically, Hogan’s brands like Real American Beer may see a nostalgia boost, but the controversy risks tarnishing his estate’s value.
Health and Lifestyle Awareness
Hogan’s story raises awareness of neck surgery risks, especially for those with degenerative conditions from sports or manual labor. The phrenic nerve’s role in breathing underscores the need for informed consent, potentially encouraging second opinions for elective procedures. For aging Americans, it ties into broader debates on post-surgery recovery, with lifestyle implications for veterans managing chronic pain through yoga (Daily’s profession) or alternative therapies.
Legal and Political Ties
Medically, this could set precedents for malpractice claims linking surgical complications to cardiac events, affecting insurance rates and hospital protocols in Florida. Politically neutral, it echoes high-profile suits like those against opioid prescribers, but focuses on surgical negligence. For U.S. readers, it highlights family estate battles, as Brooke’s involvement adds layers to inheritance and closure issues.
Conclusion: Seeking Justice Amid Grief and Legacy
Sky Daily’s planned medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctors behind Hulk Hogan’s alleged botched neck surgery represents a quest for accountability in the WWE legend’s final chapter, potentially linking phrenic nerve damage to his tragic death. As investigations wrap up and cremation looms, this case not only honors Hogan’s enduring impact on sports entertainment but also spotlights the hidden dangers of his hard-fought career. With family tensions easing and public support growing, the outcome could bring closure while advancing awareness of surgical risks. For fans and families alike, it’s a reminder that even icons face mortal vulnerabilities—justice may provide the ultimate pinfall.