Police release details in Nick Bollea crash

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

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Nick Bollea's Toyota Supra hit a palm tree in Clearwater Aug. 26.

PINELLAS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- Clearwater Police have released the crash report for a car accident involving Nick Bollea, 17.

Although the investigation is still pending, police said Bollea disregarded traffic control devices (posted speed signs) the night his Toyota Supra hit a palm tree Aug. 26.

Police have said speed was a factor in the crash, although the exact speed is not being released at this time.

The report also says the car is owned by Bollea's father, wrestler Hulk Hogan. The report indicates Bollea was wearing a seatbelt but his passenger, 22-year-old John Graziano, was not.

Graziano was critically injured in the crash.

The report indicates alcohol and drug results are pending.

Background Info

Witnesses indicated the Totota Supra may have been racing a Dodge Viper at the time of the accident.

Bay News 9 has learned the Viper is also owned by Hulk Hogan.

Sources close to Graziano's family say the two people in it at the time of the accident were friends of Bollea's.

The Viper is not mentioned in the initial report. No witnesses are listed either.

Police are still investigating the accident. No criminal charges have been filed against Bollea. Police are working with the state attorney's office, which will review and validate the investigation's findings before a final report is released the first week in November.

The report indicates John Graziano was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

As of two weeks ago Graziano was in critical condition.

The family has since asked the hospital not release any more information on his condition.

Last week, a judge granted John's mother temporary legal guardianship to make all medical decisions for her son.

Debra Graziano's attorney said because John is in the military, the government is paying for his care at Bayfront Medical Center and they hope to move him to a VA hospital soon.

Visit Bay News 9 on Demand, channel 342 on Bright House Networks digital cable to see Bay News 9's exclusive interview with Nick Bollea two weeks before the crash and more.

What you're saying . . .

"why haven't the police given nice tickets for this crash ? who cares if his dad is hulk hogan. anybody else would have gotten many tickets"

"This was a terrible accident. No matter what punishment Nick receives, it will not compare to how how he will punish himself everyday for the rest of his life if his friend dies. I can't imagine a worse punishment than that; knowing that you killed your best friend. It was a tragic accident, so cut him some slack."
-Brian