Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Dies at 71
Professional wrestling icon Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, passed away at the age of 71 on Thursday, July 24, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, authorities confirmed.
Emergency responders were dispatched to Hogan’s residence around 9:51 a.m. following a 911 call reporting a cardiac arrest, according to the Clearwater Police Department. First responders treated Hogan at the scene before transporting him to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:17 a.m. Clearwater Police Maj. Nate Burnside stated during a press conference that there were no signs of foul play or suspicious activity, and a standard death investigation is underway.
Hogan, a towering figure in professional wrestling, was a two-time WWE Hall of Famer, inducted in 2005 as an individual and in 2020 as part of the New World Order (NWO). His charisma, signature red-and-yellow gear, and “Hulkamania” persona transformed wrestling into a global phenomenon during the 1980s. He headlined the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985 and won the WWE Championship six times, with iconic matches against Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. His 1987 body slam of the 520-pound Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III remains one of wrestling’s most legendary moments.
In 1996, Hogan reinvented himself as “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan, leading the villainous NWO faction in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), sparking the “Monday Night Wars” and propelling WCW to ratings dominance for over a year. His larger-than-life presence extended beyond the ring, with roles in films like Rocky III (1982) as Thunderlips, No Holds Barred (1989), and Mr. Nanny (1993), as well as the reality show Hogan Knows Best (2005–2007) with his family.
Hogan’s career was not without controversy. In 2015, WWE terminated his contract after a leaked video surfaced of him using racial slurs, though he was reinstated in 2018. He also won a $140 million lawsuit against Gawker Media in 2016 over a published sex tape, later settled for $31 million, contributing to the outlet’s bankruptcy.
In recent years, Hogan faced significant health challenges, undergoing over 25 surgeries for injuries sustained during his wrestling career, including a neck surgery in May 2025. Despite rumors of declining health, his wife, Sky Daily, had recently affirmed his heart remained strong. Hogan is survived by Daily, whom he married in 2023, and his children, Brooke and Nick, from his first marriage to Linda Claridge.
Tributes poured in from the wrestling world and beyond. WWE issued a statement: “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.” Ric Flair, a longtime friend, wrote on X, “Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you! Rest in peace my friend!” Former President Donald Trump, whom Hogan supported at the 2024 Republican National Convention, called him a “great friend” with a “massive cultural impact.”
Hogan’s family released a statement via Instagram: “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. 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.”
Hogan’s legacy as a trailblazer in wrestling and pop culture endures, with his catchphrase, “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” echoing in the hearts of fans worldwide.
