Doctor enters guilty plea for misdemeanor obstruction in golfer’s death
A Las Vegas physician who discovered professional golfer Erica Blasberg after her suicide pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of misdemeanor obstruction, authorities said.
Dr. Thomas Hess was sentenced by Henderson Municipal Judge Diana Hampton to one year of probation and 40 hours of community service.
Authorities said Hess removed items from the scene before the police's arrival at Blasberg's home. Hess admitted removing a suicide note and hiding it in his vehicle with prescription medications from the house.
Blasberg, 25, was found the afternoon of May 9 with a plastic bag over her head at her home at 2620 Hotel de Ville Terrace in the Anthem community of Henderson .
The Clark County coroner's office in August ruled Blasberg's death a suicide.
According to the coroner's office, she died of asphyxia, coupled with toxic levels of prescription medication. Toxicology confirmed the presence of several prescription drugs, including headache, cough, pain and anti-anxiety medications.
Blasberg, a native of Corona, Calif., turned pro in 2004 and had her only top-10 finish in 2008. She played one LPGA tournament this year, finishing tied for 44th in the Tres Marias Championship in Morelia, Mexico, which ended May 2.
It was not clear whether Hess would face disciplinary action by the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners because of his guilty plea.
Contact reporter Francis McCabe at fmccabe@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039.
