The mother of a Dunedin man critically injured in a car accident Aug. 26 is standing behind the famous family of professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, whose son was driving the car.John Graziano, a 22-year-old Marine just back from Iraq, was a passenger in a car driven by Hogan's 17-year-old son, Nick Bollea, that lost control in Clearwater and struck a tree. Graziano remains hospitalized at Bayfront Medical Center. Bollea was treated and released for serious but not life-threatening injuries.
Hogan's real name is Terry Bollea, but his family also uses the last name Hogan in the reality show, "Hogan Knows Best," which airs on VH1.
Bay News 9 reported Monday receiving an exclusive e-mail from Debbie Graziano that supports the Hogans and thanks the community for praying for and supporting her son.
Debbie Graziano said she was compelled to write after "hearing small bites of what is being said in the media" regarding the accident. She said the Hogans - Terry, his wife, Linda, and Nick - have visited the hospital every day, personally delivering food and offering support.
"My son John has been very close to the Bollea family for over six years," she wrote, according to the television station. "Since day one of this nightmare, they have been with us physically, emotionally, mentally and financially."
The e-mail says Nick Bollea, despite his own injuries, has sat for hours each day with the family. It says Hogan's family did not hide after the accident for fear of backlash by Graziano's family.
The two young men became friends over a shared loved of cars, Debbie Graziano wrote. "My son was like an older brother to Nick."
Clearwater police continue to investigate the accident, but they have said it involved excessive speed.
John Graziano bought his mother a car before leaving for Iraq, she wrote, "so he would know I was driving safely while he was gone and he paid for it with his combat pay."
She said her son, who she described as "naturally cool" with "little tolerance for fuss" would be angry to know that his family is "being torn apart in the media by assumptions and downright lies."Debbie Graziano did not elaborate, but concluded her e-mail by re-emphasizing her appreciation for the Hogans. She said they are holding Nick accountable as good parents should, and she said he is suffering for what has happened to his friend.
"Terry and Linda are doing everything to remove any burden from me, so my only focus is John," she wrote, "out of their love for John, period."
The two young men became friends over a shared loved of cars, Debbie Graziano wrote. "My son was like an older brother to Nick."
Clearwater police continue to investigate the accident, but they have said it involved excessive speed.
John Graziano bought his mother a car before leaving for Iraq, she wrote, "so he would know I was driving safely while he was gone and he paid for it with his combat pay."
She said her son, who she described as "naturally cool" with "little tolerance for fuss" would be angry to know that his family is "being torn apart in the media by assumptions and downright lies."Debbie Graziano did not elaborate, but concluded her e-mail by re-emphasizing her appreciation for the Hogans. She said they are holding Nick accountable as good parents should, and she said he is suffering for what has happened to his friend.
"Terry and Linda are doing everything to remove any burden from me, so my only focus is John," she wrote, "out of their love for John, period."
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