The Mysterious Death of Bruce Lee

The File

I have recieved permission to release an edited version my private interview with Tom Bleecker. Tom Bleecker was a friend and student of Bruce Lee. Also after Bruce's passing he was Linda Lee second husband. At this time he had access to what I call the missing documents ( Autopsy report, Death cert, and many other very important medical documents). He is the only writer that has written a book based on these documents, and reveal some of the truth behind Bruce Lee death.

For backgound reading -"Unsettled Matters, The life of death of Bruce Lee" by Tom Bleecker

Before you read this interview , try reading the other Tom Bleecker interview on the Temple of the Unknown -
1) Tom Bleecker interview

What you are about to read is the lastest information from the World's leading expert on death of Bruce Lee.

An email conversation with Tom Bleecker (renowned expert on Bruce Lee and author of "Unsettled Matters" )

I use TB for Tom Bleecker and JD for myself

JD - I have a couple of questions , I hope you find the time to answer them as it would mean a great deal to me

TB - Greetings and thank you for your email

JD - Bruce's first cerebal edema on the 10th of May resulted in him convulsing, but on 20th July (the day of his second and fatal cerebal emeda), Betty Ting-pei stated he was sleeping quietly. This can't be correct, can it ?

TB - In all likelihood Bruce did experience convulsing at Betty's on July 20th, correct. The two life-threatening edemas were the same. The main difference between the two incidents was that on May 10th Bruce received emergency medical attention, primarily an injection of cortisone, which turned around his adrenal failure, and intraveneous Manitol, which rapidly reduced his brain edema.

JD - Also very strange was the fact he was wearing high platform shoes lying on betty's bed.

( JD - On a post a while back on DW , the world's number one Bruce Lee forum, I posted a Chinese article and drawing of the death scene at Betty Ting Flat which revealed the fact Bruce was wearing shoes in bed when the doctor and medical staff came.)

[ TB - I'm not sure this drawing could pass as "fact." Rather, it is second party hearsay from an individual describing what he or she recalled.]

TB - I think you can assume that Bruce was naked with Betty in her bedroom, and when the ambulance was called later that evening, those present dressed him for obvious reasons, including placing his shoes back on.

JD - I quote from your book "In another cabinet one file stood out among all the others: 'BRUCE'S AUTOPSY REPORT.' I sat down and read it. By the time I had finished reading it for the third time, I felt sick. Something was wrong. Not just with the autopsy report, but with everything." -- I have heard rumors about the condition of Lee's body swelling, hands and feet grasped tight, but the last part I am not sure about a rumor talking about brusing on the side of his face; also there are other rumors regarding his fingers. What condition did the autopsy report say he body was in? Was there any bruisng on his body?

TB - I'm sorry, but as I mentioned in my prior email I cannot discuss the details of the autopsy report.

JD - Raymond Chow, Betty Ting-pei and even Betty's personal doctor, Chu Pho-hwye who saw bruce on that night said Bruce seemed to be 'sleeping soundly.' So why does the photo of Bruce in the morgue show Bruce's face to be badly swollen. From Dr. Chu's accounts, Bruce was already dead at this time, so therefore how could Bruce's face become so swollen if all he was doing was "sleeping soundly"? Is this suggestive of all three people covering something up ?

TB - Most knowledgeable people who have examined the facts and photos are in agreement that Bruce was already dead when the ambulance arrived. The comment that Bruce appeared to be "sleeping soundly" is consistent with someone in a coma. The fact that none of those present mentioned that his face was swollen is really irrelevant. A person can have a swollen face and still "appear to be sleeping soundly," correct?

JD - I understand the death certificate lists his time of death as 8.00pm Hong Kong time. Is this correct? Raymond Chow did not return to the flat for another hour and a half (around 9.30pm). This doesn't make sense.

TB - As with the autopsy I can't discuss the details of the death certificate. I would say that affixing an exact time of death really isn't all that important in that this time is set by the attending physician who is the one who signs the death certificate, in this case the ER physician at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. In that Bruce was DOA, the time this physician wrote is only his approximation. While I don't have the time right now to elaborate, if you really want to do some sleuthing, see what interesting hoops you are forced to jump through and how many road blocks and deteors you meet up with when you try to obtain a copy of Lee's death certificate and burial permit (both public records) from the Departement of Records and Certificates the county where Bruce is alleged to be buried.

JD - May 25th, at UCLA Medical Center he was examined by Dr. Harold L. Karpman and neurologist, Dr. David Reisbord. Do you know what tests they did to check Lee's health ? I understand they prescribed an epilepsy drug. Is this correct ? Does his medical records show any history of epilepsy ?

TB - It is widely known that Bruce did have a history of childhood epilepsy, and yes a medication for epilepsy was prescribed.

JD - what is the story behind Bruce's May 10th mysterious blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test ?

TB - I believe I covered that in my book "Unsettled Matters"

JD - It has been rumored that Bruce's black finger nails noted two days after his death in the funeral home are telltale indications of poisioning. Comment?

TB - I, too, had heard this report. And, yes, it can be a sign of poisoning. But I think it is important to stay focused on what killed Bruce, which was brain edema. When you look at the few poisons that can trigger brain edema, black finger nails isn't a symptom of those few poisons.

JD - He had broken blood vessels in the lungs ?

TB - No more serious than would be seen in someone with a common cold.

JD - Who was the last person to see Lee alive apart from Betty Ting-pei, Raymond Chow, and Linda ?

TB - How many "lasts" should there be? Last means one. My thinking is that the last person to see him alive was Betty Ting-pei, and maybe Raymond Chow, depending on Lee's state when Chow arrived at Betty's apartment.

JD - To your knowlegde was anybody else in the room apart from Chow and Betty Ting Pei before Lee's passing ?

TB - Well, we don't know the exact time of Lee's death, but I suppose one could argue that Betty's personal physician was present near the end. I've also heard that Betty's brother was there but was unable to substantiate this.

JD - Did Bruce have kidney failure on 20th July ?

TB - When the brain is under seige, many other systems of the body can be gravely affected. I know that the lab reports on May 10th did reveal that Bruce's kidneys were not functioning properly. My sense it this was the result of his overuse of hydrocortisone.

JD - Did you ever get to speak to Robert Lee ?

TB - Not since my divorce from Linda. Robert did come to the house several times for lunch when Linda and I were married. I don't really think he knows all that much.

JD - What was one interesting bit of information you left out of your book ?

TB - Off hand I think that I didn't leave anything out that I felt was pertinent.

JD - You mentioned in a prior email that you cannot discuss the details of the autopsy report. Is this because of legal reasons ?

TB - Unfortunately, at this point I cannot be of help as I am in the process of negotiating another book that involves Bruce and Brandon Lee's deaths. Because much of what you mention is part of my ongoing work product, it really is exclusive to the confidential nature of the proposed book, and for that reason I cannot release it.

JD - Thank you for all your time you have taken to answer mine questions. I be one of the first to buy any new tom bleecker book dealing with bruce lee. I wish you all the best for your new book and the future. I am very very gateful you have given me some of your time.

TB - Good luck with your research. I'm sorry I cannot at this time be of more assistance.

lee

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