Bob Saget's Family Responds To Autopsy Photos, Online Rumors
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
ORLANDO, FL — The family of comedian and "Full House" star Bob Saget has issued another statement about his death in an Orlando hotel room after authorities released more autopsy details this week. His widow and daughters emphasize that Saget died from a fall and asked to be given privacy.
Saget, 65, died from an accidental blow to the head, his family said. An autopsy concluded the actor likely fell backward, struck his head, and died Jan. 9 in his hotel room at the Ritz Carlton in Orlando.
A phone interview with Ponte Vedra Concert Hall staffer Rosalie Cocci and an Orange County deputy released this week noted that Saget told venue workers he didn't feel well because he had suffered from COVID-19, but was in high spirits for his stand-up appearance.
Cocci shared what Saget told her and others before his final performance at the St. Augustine Amphitheater; it was part of the full death report released.
In response, Saget's family attorney, Brian H. Bieber, spoke to People magazine about what investigators said is the final autopsy report.
"The records released tell the entire story — that is — Bob passed away after a fall and hitting his head in his hotel room," Bieber said in the statement to People. "Now that the medical examiner's and police department's records have been released after their respective thorough investigations, the Saget family would appreciate privacy to mourn in peace."
Cocci described how Saget complained of having long-term COVID, which he tested positive for weeks before his death and at the time of his autopsy, People reported.
In the report obtained by the magazine, more than 50 photos taken at Saget's hotel room. The report also included redacted police body camera footage, audio interviews and what is believed to be the last photo of the comedian alive.
The photos released by authorities showed Saget's hotel room appeared to be clean with nearly everything in place. His bed was made, with his cell phone, iPad, glasses, headphones, chapstick and two water bottles sitting on the nearby nightstand, the magazine said. Investigators also photographed a privacy sign that was lying on the floor inside the room, the thermostat which was set to 74 degrees, Saget's personal toiletry items on the counter, a trash bin with discarded masks, a valet vehicle claim tag for his car, and his rental car's keys.
The night of his death, Saget told workers at the venue his hearing was off and he had a sore throat, Cocci told investigators.
"He was asking the sound guys to turn everything up, and that he had been sick the night before," People reported from her call to police. "He was happy that he had lozenges for the stage.”
No traces of blood or hair were found on the marble end tables and counters in Saget's bathroom. Investigators told People it's likely Saget lost consciousness in the bathroom and fell backward onto the marble floor, striking his head.
When he regained consciousness, Saget got in bed, again lost consciousness and died, the sources told the magazine.
His time of death was estimated at 4 a.m., about 12 hours before his body was found by hotel staff sent to check on him.
Saget's family was in court in February and received a temporary halt on the release of his medical records, reports said.
Saget's widow, Kelly Rizzo, and three daughters from a previous marriage, filed a lawsuit against Orange County Sheriff John Mina and the medical examiner’s office to stop the release of additional medical records. According to WESH, the court documents claim the disclosure of records would cause the Saget family to “suffer irreparable harm in the form of extreme mental pain, anguish, and emotional distress.”
A judge agreed with the family and on March 14 blocked the release of further records in Saget's death.
The family's lawsuit argues no public interest would be served by the release of the records to the public. Photographs, video and audio recordings, autopsy information and other records generated during the death investigation would all remain private under the family's request.
Earlier reports had originally speculated he may have died from a stroke or heart attack, or COVID-19, which he said he had in December. However, family members said that was not the case.
"The authorities have determined that Bob passed from head trauma," the Saget family said Feb. 9 in a statement reported by multiple news outlets, including CNN. "They have concluded that he accidentally hit the back of his head on something, thought nothing of it and went to sleep. No drugs or alcohol were involved."
Previously, the family said it has been overwhelmed with "the incredible outpouring of love from Bob's fans" and was comforted by it.
"As we continue to mourn together, we ask everyone to remember the love and laughter that Bob brought to this world, and the lessons he taught us all: to be kind to everyone, to let the people you love know you love them, and to face difficult times with hugs and laughter," the family also said.
SEE ALSO:
Saget was pronounced dead at the scene, and authorities determined no foul play was involved.
TMZ reported that authorities weren't sure what Saget struck his head on, but there was a bruise on the back of his head. He went to sleep and never woke up.
Saget had "fractures to the back of his head and around his eyes" at the time of his death, according to an autopsy report obtained by People.
Saget had performed in the area the night before in Jacksonville as part of his stand-up tour, "I Don't Do Negative."
Early on Jan. 9, Saget posted a selfie with the tweet, thanking the appreciative audience.
Saget was best known for his role as beloved single dad Danny Tanner on the sitcom "Full House" and as the wisecracking host of "America's Funniest Home Videos."
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
This article originally appeared on the Across Florida Patch
