HULK Hogan, the wrestling icon and WWE Hall of Famer, has died at age 71 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home.
Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, died just a month after rumors swirled about his ailing health, including that he was on his “deathbed.”
Hulk Hogan takes the stage during a campaign rally for then-Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, at Madison Square Garden in October 2024Getty Images – Getty
Hulk Hogan attends Day 1 of the Chiller Theatre Expo at Sheraton Parsippany Hotel in October 2014 in Parsippany, New Jersey
President Donald Trump and Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania Vl Convention Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey in March 1987Getty Images – Getty
Hulk Hogan displaying the WCW World Heavyweight Championship beltGetty Images – Getty
X/DanScavinoHogan and Donald Trump backstage during the 2024 RNC[/caption]
Hogan’s wife, Sky, had recently quashed rumors that the wrestling legend’s health was failing, saying his heart was “strong” and he was recovering from a neck procedure that had been performed in May.
Jimmy Hart, Hogan’s former longtime manager, updated fans on The Hulkster’s health on Tuesday, saying in an X post that he was “doing phenomenal.”
But on Thursday, Hogan died after police and emergency medical personnel were called to his home in Clearwater, Florida, at 9:51 am.
Clearwater Police told The U.S. Sun that first responders arrived at Hogan’s home after receiving a call about a cardiac arrest.
Paramedics spent 30 minutes performing CPR on Hogan at his home in an attempt to revive him before they ultimately transported him to Morton Plant Hospital, according to People.
The WWE Hall of Famer was wheeled out of his home on a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance, according to TMZ, which first reported his death.
Hogan was pronounced dead at the hospital at 11:17 am.
His family said in a statement that he was “surrounded by his loved ones” when he died.
“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend. Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones,” the family said in a statement.
Hogan’s family asked the public for privacy while they grieved the wrestler’s death.
“May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades. He will be missed, but never forgotten,” the family concluded.
In a press conference on Thursday afternoon, authorities confirmed there were no signs of foul play or suspicious activity related to Hogan’s death.
An official cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Days before his death, his ex-wife, Linda, shared a heartbreaking picture of the “good old days” with Hogan.
WWE LEGEND GONE
The WWE confirmed Hogan’s death in a statement, “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.
“One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.
“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Family’s full statement
Hulk Hogan’s family shared the following statement about his death on his official Instagram account on Thursday:
It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend.
Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones.
At this time of grief, we ask that everyone please respect the privacy of his family and friends.
May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades.
He will be missed, but never forgotten.
Source: Instagram
President Donald Trump paid tribute to Hogan in a Truth Social post, writing, “We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’
“Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way – Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.
“He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week.
“He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive. To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”
‘NO ONE WILL EVER COMPARE’
Wrestling legend Ric Flair shared a heartfelt tribute to his close friend, where he recollected his own brush with death.
“Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business. An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father!” Flair wrote.
“Our friendship has meant the world to me. He was always there for me even when I didn’t ask for him to be.
“He was one of the first to visit me when I was in the hospital with a 2% chance of living, and he prayed by my bedside.
“Hulk also lent me money when Reid was sick. Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you! Rest in peace, my friend!”
Hulk Hogan tributes
Tributes have poured in for Hulk Hogan following his death at 71 years old.
“When I nearly lost my dad 8 years ago, one of the few people who was there for all of it was Hulk Hogan. My heart breaks for Nick and Brooke. Rest in peace, brother.” – Charlotte Flair
“Saddened To Hear About The Passing of Hulk Hogan…I Guess God Needed An Incredible Angel. R.I.P. My Friend.” – Sergeant Slaughter
“He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!” – Ric Flair
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.” – WWE
“R.I.P to a legend. HULK HOGAN.” – Donald Trump Jr.
“Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid. The last time I saw him we promised we’d get beers together next time we saw each other. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace.” – Vice President JD Vance
Paul Levesque, who is best known by his ring name Triple H, praised Hogan for transcending the pro-wrestling business.
“WWE would not be where it is today without the larger-than-life characters that compete in the ring … and few, if any, loomed larger than Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea,” Levesque wrote on X.
“He was the archetype of what it meant to be a ‘Superstar’ – a global sensation that inspired millions to work hard at whatever it was they wanted to accomplish and a look that made him recognizable to fans around the world.
“Hulk Hogan, clad in red and yellow or nWo black and white, was simply put, iconic.
“As a Real American or the leader of one of the industry’s biggest factions, he transcended and elevated the entire business to heights never before seen – in every country and on every continent.
“There was no one like The Hulkster and there very well may never be another. My family sends their condolences to his family, friends, and fans.”
AFPHulk Hogan rips his shirt off to reveal a Trump-Vance campaign shirt during the last day of the 2024 Republican National Convention in July 2024[/caption]
WRESTLING COMMUNITY PAYS TRIBUTE
Vince McMahon, the co-founder of WWE, said in a statement, “The world lost a treasure today. Hulk Hogan was the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME, someone who was loved and admired around the world.
“He was a trailblazer, the first performer who transitioned from being a wrestling star into a global phenomenon.
“His gift and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled – and made him the consummate performer.
“He gave everything he had to the audience whom he appreciated, respected and loved.
“He leaves us with one of his favorite expressions, ‘Train, take your vitamins and say your prayers.’ Today, we pray for him.”
WCW legend Sting proclaimed Hogan as “THE GREATEST OF ALL.”
“Can’t thank you enough for all that you did for me and for wrestling fans all over the world. I love you and I will miss you. My friend, Terry Bollea, RIP,” the wrestler, born Steve Borden, wrote on X.
Police statement on Hulk Hogan’s death
Clearwater Fire Department and Clearwater Police Department personnel responded to a medical call at 9:51 a.m. today in the 1000 block of Eldorado Avenue on Clearwater Beach. The nature of the call was for a cardiac arrest. A 71-year-old resident, Terry Bollea, also known as Hulk Hogan, was treated by Clearwater Fire & Rescue crews before being taken by Sunstar to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
A media briefing will be at 1:30 p.m. at Clearwater Police Department headquarters, 645 Pierce St. Some parking is available east of the building; additional parking is in the old fire station parking lot just west of police headquarters.
The briefing is being held at the police department in an attempt to protect the privacy of the family. Any media compelled to respond to the scene should park in the rear of the Carlouel Yacht Club, 1091 Eldorado Ave. The staging area is located at Eldorado and Bay Esplanade.
HULKAMANIA
Hulk Hogan became a larger-than-life figure during the 1980s, soaring to new heights while a part of McMahon’s WWE, then the World Wrestling Federation.
Hogan’s far-reaching influence helped transform WWE into a global wrestling promotion juggernaut.
He also became one of the most recognizable wrestlers ever to star with WWE, with catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do brother?!”
Hogan’s ring walk enchanted and captivated the imagination of millions of wrestling fans, sending crowds roaring every time his iconic Real American theme song blared throughout the arena.
The arena would go pure bedlam each time Hogan walked up to the center of the squared ring and began to tear his bright yellow shirt off – his signature pre-match act that was replicated by his Hulkamania fanbase for decades.
Hogan’s meteoric rise in pro-wrestling spilled beyond the ring and into appearances on reality TV shows, TV commercials, and movies, including a cameo on Rocky III starring Sylvester Stallone.
Hogan is credited with having some of the greatest matches in WWE history, including his iconic face-off with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania 18 at the SkyDome in Toronto, Canada, which was billed as “Icon vs. Icon.”
However, his most memorable match came early in his career, at WrestleMania III in March 1987 when he went toe-to-toe with legend Andre the Giant.
The match featured a famous moment where Hogan lifted up the 7’4, 500-plus pound Andre, delivered a body slam, ran to the ropes and dropped his signature leg drop finisher to pin the giant for the three count.
The moment is engraved in the minds of wrestling fanatics to this day as Hogan walked out with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
When he departed WWE for then-rival World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1994, Hogan’s heroic persona took a darker turn, taking on a bad guy image under the ring name Hollywood Hulk Hogan.
Hogan ditched his signature red and yellow attire and began wearing black and white ring gear as part of his New World Order (NWO) faction with Scott “Razor Ramon” Hall and Kevin Nash.
At the time of his death, Hogan was creating the Fox Nation show Real American Freestyle, which was set to give an inside look at the wrestling league founded by the star.
A source inside Fox Nation confirmed to The U.S. Sun that the two inaugural events for the league would continue as planned at the end of August.
Hollywood Hulk Hogan and The Rock at Wrestlemania X8Getty Images – Getty
Hulk Hogan vs Andre the Giant at Wrestlemania VI in March 1988Getty Images – Getty
GettyHulk Hogan pounds on The Big Show during their match at the FedEx Forum in Memphis[/caption]
Getty – ContributorHulk Hogan, pictured in January 1996, is considered one of the greatest pro-wrestlers of all time[/caption]
HOGAN’S SCANDALS OUTSIDE THE RING
However, outside the ring, Hogan’s life was tarnished by crazy antics and scandal.
He was involved in a sex tape with the wife of his best friend, faced accusations of racism and a former opponent once pulled a gun on him.
In 2012, the sex tape featuring Hogan and Heather Clem, the estranged wife of Bubba the Love Sponge, emerged online.
He later settled a lawsuit with American blog Gawker, which published part of the tape online, for $140 million for invasion of privacy.
But three years later, Hogan was fired from the WWE and removed from the Hall of Fame after a racist rant about his daughter Brooke’s former boyfriend, rapper Stacks, emerged from the video.
Hogan stirred further controversy with his rousing speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention for then-presidential candidate Trump, in which he ripped off his suit jacket and shirt on stage.
The former wrestler had been a longtime supporter of Trump and the two had a close friendship for years.
“As an entertainer, I try to stay out of politics,” Hogan told the Republican crowd.
“But after everything that’s happened to our country over the past four years, and everything that happened last weekend, I can no longer stay silent,” he added, referring to the assassination attempt against Trump in July 2024.
Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky, his daughter, Brooke and son, Nick.
Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and Donald Trump pose together with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in 1987Alamy
Hulk Hogan gestures to the audience during his Hulkamania Tour at the Burswood Dome in Perth, Australia in November 2009Getty Images – Getty
Hulk Hogan attends the N.A.T.P.E. Convention in January 1994 in FloridaGetty – Contributor Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
