Arts & Entertainment

Bob Saget's Autopsy Records Will Never Be Released, Judge Rules

A Florida judge has made permanent a ban on the release of photos, video or other records related to actor Bob Saget's death investigation.

Actor and comedian Bob Saget was found dead Jan. 9 in his hotel room at the Ritz Carlton in Orlando. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A judge has ruled the release of his autopsy records will not be allowed.
Actor and comedian Bob Saget was found dead Jan. 9 in his hotel room at the Ritz Carlton in Orlando. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A judge has ruled the release of his autopsy records will not be allowed. (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

ORLANDO, FL — A Florida judge ruled Monday to permanently block the release of autopsy records in the death of actor and comedian Bob Saget, according to the family’s attorney.

The ruling means the release of photos, video or other records related to the performer's death investigation are prohibited.

The latest developments surrounding the former "Full House" star's death come after his widow, Kelly Rizzo, and three daughters from a previous marriage, filed a lawsuit about a month ago. Saget's family sued Orange County Sheriff John Mina and the medical examiner's office to stop the release of additional medical records.

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Saget was found dead Jan. 9 in his hotel room at the Ritz Carlton in Orlando. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the medical examiner, he died from an accidental blow to the head, likely from a fall backward. Authorities determined no foul play was involved. He was 65 years old.

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During the course of Saget's autopsy and death investigation, the medical examiner’s office and sheriff’s office had created graphic videos and photos of the actor's body, as well as audio recordings, the AP reported.

People magazine talked with members of the Orange County Sheriff's office about where and how the fall happened that led to Saget's death.

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.


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Although such records are prohibited by state law from being released publicly, some media outlets had already filed requests for them, according to the family’s lawsuit.

According to WESH, the Saget family claimed in court documents that the disclosure of such records would cause them to "suffer irreparable harm in the form of extreme mental pain, anguish, and emotional distress."

Until now, a motion to block additional records surrounding Saget's death had been only temporary.

Brian Bieber, who represents the Saget family, released the following statement to the media, including CNN, Monday.

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. 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 had performed in the area the night before his death 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.

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