‘My husband’s not breathing’: Hulk Hogan’s widow blames botched neck surgery for WWE legend’s death, plans to sue doctors

Sky Daily, Hulk Hogan‘s widow, is preparing to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against her late husband’s doctors. She believes a neck surgery performed in May 2025 led to breathing problems that contributed to the WWE legend’s death on July 24, 2025. The 71-year-old wrestling icon died at his Clearwater Beach, Florida home after suffering cardiac arrest.

Daily claims that Hogan’s phrenic nerve was damaged during the neck operation. This nerve controls breathing and helps the diaphragm work properly. According to multiple sources like TMZ, the damage left Hogan struggling with shortness of breath for months before his death. The breathing issues are thought to have weakened him and played a role in his final medical emergency.

During the emergency call on the day Hogan died, Daily told authorities, “My husband’s not breathing. He just stopped breathing.” Sources who heard the 911 audio confirm that Hogan did not suffer a sudden heart attack but simply stopped breathing. An occupational therapist who was at the house when Hogan died reportedly told police that the wrestler’s phrenic nerve had been severed during surgery. However, Daily clarifies that the nerve was damaged, not completely cut.

Private autopsy ordered as investigation continues

Daily ordered a private autopsy to look into possible medical malpractice. While she has not shared the results, her plans to sue suggest the findings support her claims. The official medical examiner’s report listed Hogan’s cause of death as a heart attack, but the Clearwater Police Department continues its investigation into the circumstances.

Hogan’s body has remained at a funeral home for over five weeks while the investigation proceeds. Daily explained that the delay in cremation is because they are “currently in the investigatory process for possible malpractice.” She said the process of requesting medical records and getting approvals takes time. The family plans to proceed with cremation once all medical reviews are complete.

The planned lawsuit will focus on the neck surgery Hogan underwent in May. Daily believes the procedure compromised his ability to breathe properly. She told reporters that having shortness of breath for a long time “makes you very sick” and “wears on you, makes you weak.” When asked if this could have contributed to his death, she said it “definitely” could have played a factor. Daily also defended Hogan’s personal physician from online rumors, saying he never prescribed any problematic medications while the couple was together.

The wrestling legend had undergone 25 surgeries in the 10 years before his death, including multiple back operations and joint replacements. His long wrestling career, which began in 1977, took a severe toll on his body. Despite his health struggles, Hogan remained active in recent years, appearing at wrestling events and launching business ventures. He made his final public appearance at WWE’s Raw debut on Netflix in January 2025, where he promoted his Real American Beer brand.