World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) icon Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71. According to TMZ Sports, emergency responders were dispatched to Hogan’s Clearwater, Florida, residence early Thursday morning after receiving a call reporting a suspected cardiac arrest.
Eyewitnesses reported a heavy police and emergency presence outside the wrestling legend’s home. Hogan was carried out on a stretcher and transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Officials confirmed they responded to the emergency call at 9:51 AM, with Clearwater Fire & Rescue personnel administering treatment before his hospital transfer. Police are expected to release additional details during a press conference scheduled for later Thursday.
This tragic news comes just weeks after Hogan’s wife, Sky, publicly dismissed rumors that he had fallen into a coma, assuring fans that his heart was “strong” despite a series of recent surgeries.
Born Terry Gene Bollea in Augusta, Georgia, in August 1953, Hogan grew up in Port Tampa, Florida, where his love for wrestling began in his teenage years. He made his professional debut in August 1977, earning his “Hulk” moniker after an appearance on a talk show alongside Incredible Hulk star Lou Ferrigno, where his towering 6’7” frame dwarfed the Hollywood actor.
Hogan’s career skyrocketed in 1979 when he joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as WWE. Under the guidance of WWF owner Vince McMahon Sr., he adopted the name Hulk Hogan, and by 1984, his victory for the WWF heavyweight title launched the global wrestling phenomenon known as “Hulkamania.” His charisma and larger-than-life persona made him a household name and helped bring professional wrestling into the mainstream.
Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice—first as a solo wrestler in 2005 and again in 2020 as a member of the legendary wrestling faction, the New World Order (nWo).
Outside the squared circle, Hogan successfully transitioned into acting, appearing in several blockbuster films and television shows. His credits include Rocky III (1982), No Holds Barred (1989), Suburban Commando (1991), and Mr. Nanny (1993). He also starred in the 1994 TV series Thunder in Paradise and fronted the hit VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best, which aired from 2005 to 2007.
Hogan was married to Linda Hogan (née Claridge) from 1983 to 2009, and the couple had two children—Brooke (born 1988) and Nick (born 1990). He later married Jennifer McDaniel (2010–2021) and is survived by his current wife, Daily, along with his children and grandchildren, Oliver and Molly.
After retiring from wrestling in 2012, Hogan faced significant health challenges, undergoing more than 20 surgeries on his back, hips, knees, and face. In a 2023 interview with Men’s Health, he revealed that his body had “shut down,” prompting him to overhaul his lifestyle with healthier habits, weight loss, and exercise. “I feel great,” he said at the time. “Without all the other extra stuff, you actually feel alive because a little bit of pain makes you know you are alive.”
Despite his legendary status, Hogan’s later years were marked by family tensions, with reports of estrangement between him and his daughter Brooke.
Fans and fellow wrestlers worldwide are mourning the loss of the wrestling legend whose impact on sports entertainment is unparalleled. Details of funeral arrangements and public tributes are expected to follow after the upcoming police briefing.
Credit: US Weekly
