Tragic health problems revealed in Bob Saget's autopsy

January 9, 2022, was a somber day in Hollywood as news broke that “Full House” star Bob Saget had died at the age of 65. The award-winning actor/comedian was found dead in his Orlando, Florida, hotel room after hitting the back of his head and suffering blunt trauma. No signs of drugs or alcohol were found in his body, and Saget's autopsy revealed that he suffered fractures to his skull and around his eyes from the bad fall. Additionally, the report noted that Saget tested positive for COVID-19 at the time of his death and had other underlying medical conditions. The medical issues listed by the Orange County Coroner included “cardiomegaly” (or the enlargement of the heart), “coronary artery arteriosclerosis,” and “aortic artery arteriosclerosis” (both characterized by the buildup of plaque in the artery walls).

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Rosalie Cocci, an employee at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall in Florida, where Saget had performed the night before his death, claimed the actor mentioned feeling unwell during a sound check just hours before his show. “I heard him say, 'I don't feel good,'” Cocci said, noting that Saget complained of a sore throat and other COVID-related symptoms after testing positive weeks earlier (via People). “He [also] said his hearing was impaired, and that was the case that night. He told the sound engineers to turn everything up.” But otherwise Saget seemed fine and continued his performance as planned. “He didn't miss a beat,” Cocci told investigators. “He entertained the crowd very well.”

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Despite Rosalie Cocci's claims, a close friend of Bob Saget denied that the actor suffered from long-term COVID-19 symptoms or showed signs of being unwell before his death in 2022. On the contrary, Saget seemed to be his “normal, happy and joking self” in recent weeks despite the surprising health issues listed in his autopsy, according to his family and friends who spoke to TMZ. The report also noted that Saget did not complain of a sore throat or hearing problems when he last spoke to his wife, Kelly Rizzo, on the day he fell and died. A statement from attorney Brian H. Bieber, the family's lawyer, said, “The released records tell the full story — that is — Bob died after falling and hitting his head in his hotel room” (via Us Weekly).

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During his final phone call with Rizzo, Saget reportedly expressed his excitement about his successful show and was looking forward to coming home and seeing his family. “He was so excited after a great show and sounded really happy,” a source told People. He was scheduled to fly back to California the next day. Speaking to Hoda Kotb on “Today,” Rizzo recalled her final conversation with her husband. “I think I said, 'I love you dearly,' and he said, 'I love you to death.' I said, 'I can't wait to see you tomorrow,'” the blogger shared. “It was just love.”

Just hours before his tragic death on January 9, 2022, Bob Saget posted his final message on social media, celebrating his successful performance in Jacksonville, Florida, as part of his “I Don't Do Negative” comedy tour. Saget, who would have turned 66 in May 2024, shared a photo of himself at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall and wrote, “Okay, I loved the show tonight @pontevedra_concerthall in Jacksonville. Really nice crowd. Lots of positivity.” He also thanked fans who came to see him in Orlando on January 8 and shared his thoughts on his return to stand-up, his first love. “I'm back in comedy like I was at 26,” Saget gushed. “I think I'm finding my new voice and enjoying every moment of it.” Towards the end, the actor shared his excitement about his final stop in Florida, scheduled for January 28 and 29 at a comedy club in West Palm Beach. After that, he was scheduled to perform in at least 10 other states through June 18, including Oklahoma, Arizona, Texas and Iowa.

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Saget also shared the news on X, formerly Twitter, where fans reacted with deep sadness over his shocking death, especially since Saget seemed so excited to be back on stage doing what he loved most. As one X user noted, “Looks like he was excited for the future. Glad he had a great last show!” RIP Bob Saget.