Bob Saget's death records will remain permanently sealed, never to be released to the public, following a ruling by a judge in Florida.
Judge Vincent Chiu of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida granted a permanent injunction on Monday, blocking the release of photographs and other materials related to Saget's January death, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Chiu previously granted a temporary injunction in the case after the comedian's wife and daughters filed a lawsuit in an attempt to keep the details surrounding his death private.
"The entire Saget family is grateful that the Judge granted their request for an injunction to preserve Bob's dignity, as well as their privacy rights, especially after suffering this unexpected and tragic loss," attorney Brian Bieber told the Times. "We are pleased this issue has been resolved, and the healing process can continue to move forward. All of the prayers and well wishes continuously extended to the family are beyond appreciated."
Saget's family argued in their lawsuit, filed on February 15, that they would "suffer irreparable harm in the form of extreme mental pain, anguish, and emotional distress" if additional records were released. By that point, law enforcement had already released a report of their initial death investigation.
The lawsuit indicates that investigators took photographs, video recordings and audio recordings in the hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando where the comedian was found dead on January 9, some of which "graphically depict Mr. Saget, his likeness or features, or parts of him."
Saget's family was especially concerned that media outlets would try to obtain this information and release it to the public, according to court documents. The lawsuit argued that "no legitimate public interest would be served" by releasing the records.
Chiu granted a temporary injunction a day after the lawsuit was filed. On March 8, Saget's family filed to make the decision permanent, according to The Times.
A medical examiner ruled that Saget, best known for his role as Danny Tanner on "Full House," died as a result of blunt head trauma. An autopsy noted that the 65-year-old suffered a significant blow to the head that fractured his skull and caused bleeding across his brain. One expert, who was not involved in the investigation, said Saget's injuries were so severe, it was like getting hit with "a baseball bat to the head" or falling "from 20 or 30 feet."
While no illicit drugs or toxins were found in his system, Saget was taking the prescription drug clonazepam, which treats seizures, panic disorder, and anxiety, the report stated. He was also positive for COVID at the time of his death.
According to People, police believe Saget lost consciousness after falling on the marble floor in the hotel room's bathroom and hitting his head. He later regained consciousness and made his way into his bed, police theorize, before losing consciousness again and dying, the outlet reported. His body was found roughly 12 hours later.
Following his death, Saget's family released a statement encouraging 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."
Related
Related
