Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea, the iconic professional wrestling superstar credited with elevating WWE to global prominence, has died at the age of 71. Hogan suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater on Thursday morning and could not be revived despite more than 30 minutes of CPR by first responders, according to police and fire officials.
Hulk Hogan’s Cause of Death Official Details
Authorities reported that emergency dispatch received the call at 9:51 a.m., and crews from the Clearwater Fire and Police Departments performed continuous CPR through 10:28 a.m., attempting to stabilize Hogan before transporting him to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Major Nate Burnside confirmed that the death appears to be natural, with no signs of foul play or suspicious activity being investigated at this time.
@crissyglass19 Paramedics initially arriving at Hulk Hogan‘s this morning in Clearwater Beach Florida #hulkhogan #wweupdate #wrestling #prowrestling #wwefan #goingringside
Born August 11, 1953 in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan moved to Florida during his youth, eventually debuting in wrestling in 1977 and enjoying a storied career that spanned decades. He is survived by his wife Sky Daily, whom he married in 2023, and their two children, Brooke and Nick.
Hogan emerged in the early 1980s as WWE’s central draw, headlining the first WrestleMania in 1985 and ultimately capturing six WWE World Championships. His flamboyant persona—characterized by red-and-yellow gear, the “24‑inch pythons,” and catchphrases like “Hulkamania”—turned professional wrestling into mainstream entertainment.
Hogan also reinvented himself as Hollywood Hogan, forming the influential stable New World Order (nWo) during the 1990s Monday Night Wars in WCW, further magnifying his impact on the sport and pop culture.
Controversies and Later Career
Despite his prominent career, Hogan’s legacy was marred by trouble. In 2015, a leaked recording of racist remarks led to his dismissal from WWE and removal from the Hall of Fame. He later publicly apologized, and was reinstated as a WWE Hall of Fame inductee in 2020.
In recent years, Hogan backed a lawsuit against Gawker over a leaked sex tape, eventually securing a multi-million-dollar settlement. He returned to public visibility through political appearances, including a high-profile endorsement of Donald Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where he promoted “Trumpamania” to a cheering crowd.
Most recently, Hogan had taken on the role of commissioner for Real American Freestyle, a novel unscripted wrestling promotion set to debut later this year.
The wrestling community and fans around the world have expressed their grief over Hogan’s passing. WWE Chairman Vince McMahon described Hogan as “the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME,” acknowledging his role in shaping the industry. Wrestling legend Ric Flair, visibly emotional, shared his memories of Hogan, highlighting their deep friendship and mutual respect.
Remembering the Hulkster
Hogan’s impact on professional wrestling is immeasurable. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and is remembered for his contributions to the sport’s global popularity. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of wrestlers and fans alike.
As the world mourns the loss of a true icon, Hulk Hogan’s legacy endures. His influence on professional wrestling and pop culture remains unparalleled, ensuring that “Hulkamania” will never die.
