Professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan died Thursday morning, July 24, at age 71 after suffering cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home. Emergency responders were dispatched to Hogan’s residence at 9:51 a.m. following reports of a medical emergency, according to the Clearwater Police Department.
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, was treated by Clearwater Fire and Rescue personnel before being transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:17 a.m. Major Nate Burnside of the Clearwater Police Department confirmed during a Thursday afternoon press conference that there were no signs of foul play or suspicious activity related to the incident.
The wrestling icon’s family confirmed his death in a statement posted to social media. His family said, “It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend.” The statement expressed hope that fans worldwide would find solace in the memories Hogan created during his four-decade career.
World Wrestling Entertainment issued its own statement acknowledging Hogan’s passing, describing him as one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures who helped the company achieve global recognition during the 1980s. The organization extended condolences to Hogan’s family, friends and fans.
Hogan began his professional wrestling career in 1977 and became synonymous with the transformation of professional wrestling from a regional attraction to a mainstream phenomenon. His larger-than-life persona as “The Hulkster” encouraged children to eat their vegetables and say their prayers while he battled villains in the squared circle.
The wrestler achieved championship status six times with WWE and became the face of “Hulkamania,” a cultural phenomenon that began after he defeated the Iron Sheik for the World Heavyweight Championship in 1984. His signature catchphrases, 24-inch pythons and leg drop finishing move became iconic elements of professional wrestling entertainment.
Hogan headlined the inaugural WrestleMania on March 31, 1985, alongside tag team partner Mr. T, defeating “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. He would go on to appear in 10 WrestleMania matches, featuring in the main event eight times. His 1987 match against Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III helped propel the WWF to new heights of popularity.
In the mid-1990s, Hogan joined rival promotion World Championship Wrestling and underwent a dramatic character transformation. For the first time in his career, he became a villain as “Hollywood Hogan,” leading the New World Order faction in 1996. This heel turn reinvented both his character and the wrestling industry.
Hogan returned to WWE in 2002 and faced Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania X8, with fans once again cheering for the wrestling legend. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 as an individual performer and again in 2020 as a member of the NWO.
Beyond wrestling, Hogan became a cultural icon through appearances on television shows including “Saturday Night Live” and “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” He starred in movies such as “Rocky III” and “Mr. Nanny,” and later appeared in the VH1 reality series “Hogan Knows Best” with his family.
Hogan’s career faced significant controversy in 2015 when recordings surfaced of him making racist remarks during a 2007 conversation. WWE terminated his contract and temporarily removed him from the Hall of Fame. He apologized for his comments and was reinstated by the company in 2018.
In 2016, Hogan won a $140 million jury verdict against Gawker Media for publishing a sex tape without his consent. The case was later settled for $31 million and resulted in significant changes to celebrity privacy law.
Hogan remained active in wrestling-related ventures until his death. In April, he announced his role as commissioner for Real American Freestyle, described as the first unscripted professional wrestling league, with its inaugural event scheduled for August 30 at Cleveland State University.
The wrestling legend became politically active in recent years, endorsing President Donald Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention. During his appearance, he performed his signature shirt-ripping move to reveal a Trump-Vance campaign shirt underneath.
Hogan married yoga instructor Sky Daily in September 2023. He is survived by his wife, ex-wife Linda, and children Brooke and Nick. Just weeks before his death, Sky had denied rumors that Hogan was in a coma, stating he was recovering from surgeries and that his heart remained strong.
Sources:
https://abcnews.go.com/US/hulk-hogan-wwe-hall-famer-legendary-champion-dies/story?id=102716760
https://www.tmz.com/2025/07/24/hulk-hogan-dead/
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hulk-hogan-dead-wwe-icon-age-71/
https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/hulk-hogan-death-age-wwe-latest-b2795387.html
