Wrestler Hulk Hogan's son Nick Bollea has been booked on a dangerous
driving charge in relation to his summer (07) car crash in Florida.
The 17-year-old was traveling with his pal, U.S. Marine John Graziano,
22, when he lost control of his father's Toyota Supra on a Florida highway
in August. According to officials, the vehicle flipped at high speed and
collided with a palm tree.
The teenager, who will be tried as an adult, turned himself in to
police earlier this week (begs05Nov07) and was charged with reckless
driving involving serious bodily injury.
And in a statement released by Bollea's lawyers, Morris 'Sandy'
Weinberg Jr. and Kevin Hayslett, on Wednesday (07Nov07), they stressed the
accident was not the result of speeding.
The statement reads: "Nick and the entire 'Hogan' Bollea family
are saddened that criminal charges have been filed in regards to the
tragic single car accident on August 26 2007.
"The family's primary focus and concern still remains for the
continued recovery of Nick's longtime friend John Graziano. The Bolleas
will also continue to stand by the Graziano family and help them in any
way they can.
"The tragedy to both families is compounded by the fact that
unfortunately John was not wearing his seatbelt. Thankfully, Nick was
wearing his. Because of what happened to John, the entire Bollea family
will make it a priority to increase public awareness about the importance
of always wearing your seatbelt.
"There has been much speculation as to the speed and wet road
conditions surrounding this accident. Although all the evidence has not
been evaluated, preliminary reports from the experts indicate that this
was not, in fact, a high-speed accident.
"Because Nick is still a juvenile and has no prior criminal
record, we are disappointed that he is being charged as an adult offender.
However, we are confident that the evidence will demonstrate that this was
an accident.
"We ask all who follow these events to keep an open mind as to the
facts until they have been ultimately determined. Finally, we thank all
who have prayed for John's recovery and ask for your continued support and
prayers."
Graziano was critically injured in the crash and will need to be cared
for in a nursing home for the rest of his life.