Erica Blasberg's father testifies that he blames doctor in wrongful death

LAS VEGAS – The father of the late LPGA Tour golfer Erica Blasberg testified that he knows a Las Vegas doctor he's suing in a civil wrongful death case didn't kill his daughter. 

 

But Mel Blasberg made it clear Thursday that he blames Dr. Thomas Hess for pursuing a romantic relationship with his troubled 25-year-old daughter before she committed suicide in May 2010. 

 

THURSDAY: Opening arguments begin in wrongful death trial of Erica Blasberg's doctor

 

Mel Blasberg told a Clark County District Court jury he sometimes had a strained relationship with his daughter as her father and coach. But he declared that he doesn't think doctors can ever take off their white coat and be friends with a patient. 

 

Blasberg's parents seek unspecified damages from Hess, who removed a suicide note and some medications after finding Erica Blasberg's body. 

 

Hess denies the two had a romantic relationship.