Former professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, has died at the age of 71 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his Florida home, officials confirmed Thursday.
According to a dispatch call, emergency services were dispatched to Hogan's residence in Clearwater Beach at 9:51 a.m. local time on July 24, following a report of cardiac arrest. The Clearwater Fire Department and Clearwater Police Department responded to the call and provided emergency treatment on the scene before transporting Hogan to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Clearwater Police released a statement confirming that a death investigation is underway, though authorities emphasized that this is standard procedure and that no foul play or suspicious activity is currently suspected.
The news of Hogan’s passing was first reported by TMZ, which stated that he was removed from his home on a stretcher by medics. The WWE later confirmed his death in an official statement, calling Hogan “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures” and offering condolences to his family, friends, and fans.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s,” the statement read.
Hogan rose to superstardom in the 1980s and 1990s with his trademark charisma, bleached-blond mustache, red and yellow attire, and signature catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” He battled some of wrestling’s most iconic figures, including André the Giant, Sgt. Slaughter, and later Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Though he initially studied business and worked as a bank teller, Hogan found his calling in professional wrestling after training at a local gym and performing under various stage names such as Terry Boulder, Sterling Golden, and The Super Destroyer. His official WWE debut came in 1979, just a year after he met Incredible Hulk actor and bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno — a meeting that inspired the moniker "Hulk."
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice — first in 2005, and again in 2020 as part of the nWo faction. However, his legacy was marred by multiple controversies, including a racist rant caught on leaked audio, a leaked sex tape, and a widely publicized lawsuit against Gawker, which resulted in a $31 million settlement. Most recently, Hogan drew backlash for a 2024 speech at the Republican National Convention endorsing former President Donald Trump.
Just two days before his death, Hogan’s longtime friend and former wrestling manager Jimmy Hart posted on social media that Hogan was in good health and in high spirits.
“Hulk is doing great, doing phenomenal! Last night at karaoke with Nick was absolutely fantastic, baby!” Hart posted on July 22 via X (formerly Twitter).
Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, and two children, Brooke and Nick Hogan, whom he shared with his first wife, Linda Hogan.
As fans and fellow wrestlers mourn his passing, tributes have poured in online, remembering Hogan as a central figure in the rise of professional wrestling as a global entertainment industry.
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