Deal reached, Graziano's mom is guardian

By TAMARA EL-KHOURY, Times Staff Writer
November 26, 2007

Attorneys representing the estranged parents of John Graziano reached a deal today giving Debra Graziano guardianship over her son, a 22-year-old Iraq War veteran who was critically injured in the Aug. 26 car accident involving Nick Bollea, the son of Hulk Hogan.

The parents had been scheduled to take the issue to court Tuesday and Wednesday. John Graziano's father, Ed Graziano, had initially contested his wife's bid for guardianship over their son, and a judge appointed her as her son's temporary emergency guardian.

After today's deal, Debra Graziano will continue to make medical decisions for John while an independant professional guardian will control his assets and have the power to file a civil lawsuit on John's behalf, Tragos said.

"Everyone is trying to do what is in John's best interest," Tragos said.

Any civil suit is not expected to be affected by the pending divorce between Nick Bollea's parents, Linda and Terry Bollea, Tragos has said.

The agreement was struck as authorities released recorded calls to 911 immediately after the accident.