Nick Bollea's friend: We were going 100 mph

CLEARWATER -- Nick Bollea's friend told police Bollea was driving about 100 mph before crashing his yellow Toyota Supra on Aug. 26, critically injuring his passenger, according to newly released records of the investigation into the wreck.

Barrett Lawrence was riding in the Silver Viper that many witnesses saw racing with Bollea in the minutes before the accident, which left 22-year-old John Graziano in critical condition with serious head injuries.

On Tuesday, Clearwater police released more than 130 pages of police documents related to the Aug. 26 crash. Included is an interview with Lawrence, who told police he spent that afternoon with Bollea and his famous professional wrestler father, Terry Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan. Along with Graziano and another Bollea friend, Danny Jacobs, the group drank beer and hung out on Terry Bollea's boat.

The four friends were heading to Arigato's Steakhouse for dinner when the accident occurred.

When asked whether Bollea and Jacobs were driving recklessly, Lawrence answered: "This is how they always drive."

In newly released recordings of calls to Clearwater police dispatchers, several witnesses told authorities the silver Dodge Viper and Bollea's yellow Toyota Supra were racing.

"I was kind of in shock at first; I couldn't believe what happened," one witness told a dispatcher. She said she was on her way home from work at Morton Plant Hospital when the cars pulled up on either side of her at an intersection and the drivers "kind of acknowledged each other."

"The light turned green, and they hauled serious a--; they were weaving around," she said. "The silver car smoked the yellow car, and the yellow car completely lost control and flipped over and turned and twisted."

The witness said she stayed back because she didn't want to get between the cars.

"I couldn't have, anyway," she said. "They were flying."

Tamara El-Khoury, Times staff writer

Comments

[Kee]

Remember daddyrace car driver said " I just blew past the accident"?

[Edward]

Tragic, yes. But could we also see media coverage of the HS kid who *killed* a guy on a scooter on Countryway (Westchase) a few weeks back? Just because dude's dad (apparently) isn't famous doesn't mean we should forget this one. And in that case, he who was killed really just was in the wrong place at the wrong time (and not a willing participant).

[Drew]

Kee,

What?

[michelle]

If they were on the boat drinking beer with nicks dad, then he should be arrested to contributing to a minor!

[Lauren]

First, they were on Mr. Bollea's boat... no where does it say that Mr. Bollea was present. Second... GET OVER THIS PEOPLE. This is just an accident involving two people just like you and me. We all screw up, some more than others. Unfortunately, Mr. Graziano wasn't wearing his seatbelt... his decision, not Nick's. Nick was wrong to be speeding, and he will pay the penalty. Who are we to criticise he and his family's every action? These accidents happen every day, in every city. Let these family's deal with this in what little peace they can find.

[Mr. S]

Lauren, it says above: "Included is an interview with Lawrence, who told police he spent that afternoon with Bollea and his famous father, Terry Bollea, a.k.a. Hulk Hogan." It appears that Terry was contributing to the delinquency of minors.

[BigDog]

OK Lauren, 1st off, Go check the FHP's website. They no longer are called "accidents". They are called collisions. Because they collided due to someone's error.

2nd, minors drinking and then racing on wet city streets does not happen everyday. John not wearing his seatbelt may have played a part in his being injured, but Nicks action's played a larger part.

3rd, who are you to tell us to get over anything? As for the family being criticized, they made that decision when they decided to star in a reality TV show. They opened themselves up for the world to see. And not just the good times.

BTW Lauren, since you seem to know so much were you there? Do you know more than the rest of us? Or are you so starry eyed over young Mr. Bollea that you just can't see the obvious?

[Lenore]

hey Lauren, why don't you go tell John's mother she should just get over it. When you are drinking and speeding it is NOT an accident. Oh and the ijuries John has would not have been prevented had he been wearing a seat belt. If you don't like the comments here maybe you are the one that should GET OVER IT.

[Don]

BigDog, Very good post!

[steve]

Bottum line is teen drivers need to realize they are driving a deadly missle. Read todays paper in Land of lakes 2 kids died again. happens daily Penaltys for aggresive driving need to be stricter such as losing license for 6 months wake up kids

[BOB]

Seems inexperience and stupidity along with alcohol and teens in muscle cars
has ruined more than one life involved
Just dont forget along with this nick will for ever be facing vehicular man slaughter charges no matter how long graziano lives nick will have to face the courts again wreckless driving and serious injuries where is the driving under the influence charges if the found any alcohol in his body then as some one else stated contributing to minors he should be charged with at least 3 counts since there were three teens there graziano was the only other adlut there he to could face this charge contributing and no seat belt ticket nick was wise to wear one saved him from serious injuries

[BOB]

for got to say the contibuting charges should be implied to terry bollea hulk hoganand seems like hogan dosent know best because of the turmoil their family has brought out in to public view .. and the divorce should be left private form the public st pete times has considerably lowered thier standards more like tabloid news as of late come on times please put some worthy news in the paper you are definetly losing the respect of your readers with the ambulance chasing journalisim

[BOB]

Its in black and white read the atricle before you post you must be iliterate person in the interview with lawrence he spent the day with nick and his famous father on his boat come on you can visit nick in prison when the manslaugter charges are filed sure he will need a pen pal Lauren ,,,

[Jeff]

I dont think a seatbelt helps at a 100mph

[Sylvia DeWall]

I think it is important for us all to remember "when we lose, don't lose the lesson". I have two teenage boys who, after seeing the Bolleas and Grazianos go through this nightmare, have become more cautious drivers. Our prayers are with both families.

[Otherwisereally don'tcare]

Lauren: you just embarass yourself with your post. The facts are very clear. Can you read english? You it seems are a fool like the members of this dysfunctional famly. Hate to see how your kids turn out.
Can't help notice you parrot the Bollea's attorney's nonsense about John's injures were his fault becasue he wasn't wearing a seat belt. You work for them, or jusy like to blame victims? Despicable words from you.

[Chris]

How shocking! Rich kid with fast car drive fast? No one cares about these people. Well, maybe the parents of the injured kid. Can we have some real news please.

[Chris]

How shocking! Rich kid with fast car drives fast? No one cares about these people. Well, maybe the parents of the injured kid. Can we have some real news please?

[Chris]

How shocking! Rich kid with fast car drives fast? No one cares about these people. Well, maybe the parents of the injured kid. Can we have some real news please?

[JK]

Keep John alive until this trailer(sorry) trash family sorts out how much money this is going to cost them. John just got back from the war, been living on the edge, hanging with not real good taste in buds, Too bad, this 17 yr old that looks like he's 45 needs to go to prison for homicide. When they finally shut John down. This is too bad, kid's a punk. Daddy might buy him off, they seem to be muddeling the whole issue well. Maybe this Terry guy should run for Mayor of St. Pete? Along with Steve/Susan Stanton. Maybe throw this spoiled kid in too? What is the bottom line here? Daddy got a minor drunk, it's his money now. And yes all this break up is shady.

[David]

Lauren, HUSH! You are obviously interested in the Bollea family more than that of Graziano. Like others say, you parrot the Bolleas lawyers. So just hush.

[jenny]

i think that there is a 50% fault from nick and his father and a 50% fault from john's part... i know i cant judge people for what i see or understand but i do know that everybody make bad choices... i dont think nick put a gun on john's head for him to ride with him after they spent the afternoon drinking. we cant blame nick we dont know what was the conversation they had before the accident. who know's maybe john told nick to smoke the other guy by racing, maybe it didnt happend that way we dont know what really happend before the hole accident and racing. honestly i feel really bad for nick and i feel really really bad for john i can only say to everyone stop making conclusions and pray for both of the kids and families. because we dont know about tomorrow. just sit back for 2 minutes and think what would you do or how would you feel if this happend to any of our family member or the friends that we love the most.

[Richard]

I find that Nick Bollea is totally at fault, and for being a minor and drinking on Mr. Terry Bollea property that the father (Terry) is also responsible for his sons actions. I also find that this so called divorce between Mr. Terry Bollea and Mrs. Linda Bollea is coming at a convenient time. I believe that their trying to protect half of their assets, where Linda gets half of all Terrys fortune. This is just another way of not paying out as much on a lawsuit. If it were me I'd also file a lawsuit on Mrs. Bollea (Linda)for it is her son also, and she is liable as much as Mr. Bollea (Terry).
I know if it was me and my family, they would go after my father and mother for a settlement.

[glasstique]

One person and one person only had his foot on the accelerator and the wheel in his hands. We all know who that was. Easy to say one should get over it , but will Graziano? I have thought before I am happy that they hit a strong tree and not a soft small light compact car with kids in it. I answered many calls to collisions as a cop ( as all others did) where kids were , babies sometimes , were dead and they had not consented to be there. We all at some point in our lives depend on the next person to be responsible and do the right thing. Like not kill us wrecklessly.If one learns anything from this it should be life is fragile. One moment of immaturity can kill. Cars are deadly weapons like guns when used in a wreckless manner. Even more dangeros than guns. Put biased emotion aside and read the lesson given here. Speed , alcohol , immaturity , and wrecklessness , and disregard for life , KILL. Every young driver should be taken to fresh collision scenes to see the blood and tears , and sometimes death to learn an inexpensive lesson. If you want to race there are places for it. There are proper times for it . Not where innocent life is in the path of non sober decisions and depraved actions. No matter who you are everyone thinks not me. Death is irreversible and sorry doesn't cut it. Excuses don't make it better. This was a true reality show! Live and learn , or die.

[Mary]

Last yr a young girl was racing her car in CA and killed 3 members of a royal family from some island nation.
She got a couple of yrs for voluntary
manslaughter. It seems many young drivers find this to be an exceptable game. Sad but true.

[ds]

John may not have been wearing his seat belt, but as the driver of the car, Nick IS responsible for the passengers in his verhicle and ensuring that everyone is buckled up. Per Florida law. And for the moment, let's stop trashing Mr. Graziano. What if he HADN'T been in the car? Given the description of this pathetic RACE, it probably still would have happened. And since the streets of Clearwater are not the autobahn or any other racetrack, this was a deadly game by Nicky boy and his bud. And clearly it's a regular thing and they just don't care. All teens do stupid things. But not all teens are kids of rich and famous parents who clearly are lacking good parenting skills. Once this 'family' put themselves out there on a reality show for all to see (and to reap the monetary benefit of that as well), they asked for the intrusion into their privacy and lives. You can't have it both ways. People would probably be less riled up about this whole situation if the punishment fit the crime here. He's seventeen folks - not 10. He knew and knows exactly what he's doing and that mommy and daddy will exert whatever influence necessary.

[rw]

Okay people get real! This is a tragic accident. Nick made an aweful decision to drive so carelessly. John made an aweful decision to not where a seatbelt. Would he still be injured? Yes. As bad? Maybe not! I'm sure neither one set out to hurt themselves or anyone else. Nick will pay for this tragic mistake forever. Our hearts and prayers should be with John and his family right now. As far as Nick and "Hulk Hogan", this has nothing to do with him being spoiled, from a famous family or even being a punk....he's a teenager with the liberty of a fast car and the immaturity of a young boy. This happens more than we know. Nick's situation is so public because of who his father is. If he wasn't "Hulk Hogans" son this would not be so public. Terry will be accountable if he in fact contributed to minors. If you ever watched his show, you too, would find it hard to believe. Now, let he who is without sin cast the first stone. We all have made poor decisions in our lives. Leave this family alone and focus on sending your prayers and good karma to John and his family.

[Rob G]

I agree, Nicks actions show a terrible lack of judgement and his father seems to have allowed him to grow up thinking he is above the law

[Chris]

Nick Bollea displayed incredibly bad judgement. Perhaps this tragic event could have been avoided if these kids were racing on a track under controlled conditions and not drinking alcohol that day. However, this is not what occurred, and Nick will have to live with what he did for the rest of his life. His friend's brain damage and vegetative state will HAUNT HIM FOR THE REST OF HIS YEARS. Hopefully he will also do some jail time, although I doubt it if he is still a minor.