EXCLUSIVE: Golfer's Dad Says Doctor 'Should Have Left Suicide Note Alone'
Aug. 29 2010, Published 1:30 p.m. ET
Pro golfer Erica Blasberg's death was recently ruled a suicide , but that news has brought little peace to her family since so many questions remain unanswered. Her father Mel Blasberg recently opened up to RadarOnline.com about the note Erica left behind and what Dr. Thomas Hess' concealment of it might mean.
VIDEO: Golfer Erica Blasberg Laid To Rest; Praised For Having ‘An Infectious Laugh And Smile’
Hess surrendered to Henderson, Nevada, police on Tuesday after an arrest warrant was issued. Hess, who called the police to Blasberg’s home the day she died, admitted to authorities that he altered the scene, including removing a note indicating Blasberg had taken her own life. He hid the note in his vehicle along with prescription medications taken from her house.
Mel previously told RadarOnline.com that the family was pursing a civil suit against Hess.
When asked what he thought about Hess taking the note, Mel told RadarOnline.com: "I’m not implicating Hess... A part of it the note could be perceived as implicating him in a very insignificant way, and it’s the type of thing he never should have touched. He should have left it alone. By taking it, it made it clear what happened prior to that time. It was significant enough for him, but in the context of the note he was insignificant."
In an affidavit, Hess defended his actions, saying he was trying to spare the Blasberg family any public embarrassment.
"I don’t think his action in taking the note was altogether altruistic," the Blasbergs' lawyer Nick Crosby, of Marquis & Aurbach in Las Vegas, told RadarOnline.com exclusively.
While the family is in a holding pattern to see the criminal investigation file ("We're waiting with baited breath," Crosby said), he added, "We have a lot of questions about his conduct and intent.
"His actions are not of someone who didn't do anything wrong."
Mel stressed that the note was a key clue to understanding what led to his daughter's tragic death. "When he took the note in evidence it tested to her condition of the night before. Taking that note becomes a problem and by taking the note some would perceive it would implicate him.
AUDIO: Pro Golfer Erica Blasberg's Death Ruled A Suicide; Hear The 911 Call
"Simply put, when I read the note I could understand why he would take the note away…It’s easy to see how it implicates him."
While Mel would not go into detail about its content, he did say, "It’s mentioning something that occurred. While it doesn’t mention any names, I can see why he would think it implicates him. The note wasn’t about him, it just may be perceived to implicate him."
Mel added: "Nobody knows what happened. He’s the only one who knows."
When contacted by RadarOnline.com, the office for Dr.Hess’ lawyer said they had no comment.
Related Stories:
EXCLUSIVE: Doctor Still Under Investigation In Mysterious Death Of LPGA Golfer, Reveals Father
EXCLUSIVE: 'Someone Has To Pay,' Says Father Of Dead LPGA Golfer Erica Blasberg
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: LPGA Golfer Erica Blasberg's Father Breaks His Silence On Her Mysterious Death