WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan died at age 71 following a cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday morning, according to confirmed reports. The Clearwater Police Department responded to a 911 call at 9:51 a.m. at Hogan’s residence in Clearwater Beach.
Emergency crews transported the wrestling legend to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police confirmed the nature of the emergency call was for a cardiac arrest. Hogan’s manager, Linda Bose, expressed her grief over the loss, stating she was heartbroken and describing Hogan as a great human being and friend.
The wrestling icon, born Terry Gene Bollea, had recently undergone neck surgery in May and was recovering from the procedure. His wife, Sky, had previously denied circulating rumors about Hogan being in a coma, indicating his heart was strong. Despite these assurances, speculation about his health had persisted for weeks, including unfounded deathbed rumors.
Hogan emerged as a central figure during wrestling’s rise to mainstream popularity throughout the 1980s and 1990s. His larger-than-life persona and charismatic performances helped transform professional wrestling into a global entertainment phenomenon, earning him legendary status within the industry.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, recounting personal encounters with Hogan from his childhood and wrestling career. Johnson described returning Hogan’s headband to him at Madison Square Garden in 1984 when Johnson was 12 years old. According to Johnson’s account, Hogan was shocked and grateful because it was his last headband, and he promised to have more made as a thank-you gift.
Johnson revealed that Hogan kept his promise a month later at Madison Square Garden, presenting him with a headband and a handshake. The future wrestling star noted this gesture meant everything to him as a young fan. Johnson also reflected on their professional encounter 17 years later when they faced each other in the main event of WrestleMania at age 29.
The Rock described the crowd’s electric reaction when Hogan kicked out of his finishing move, emphasizing he had never experienced anything comparable during his wrestling career. Johnson acknowledged that while Hogan may have passed the torch that night, Hogan had built his legacy by selling out arenas and stadiums nationwide during his prime years.
Johnson concluded his tribute by thanking Hogan for drawing crowds and building the foundation of professional wrestling success. “Thank you for the house, brother,” Johnson wrote, using wrestling terminology that refers to selling out venues and generating revenue.
Fellow WWE Hall of Famer Torrie Wilson expressed her condolences on social media, stating her heart breaks for Hogan’s family. Wilson indicated she would remain a lifelong fan and felt fortunate to have had Hogan in her life. Another WWE Hall of Famer, Kane, also paid tribute through social media, describing Hogan as a true legend.
The New York Post featured Hogan’s death prominently on its cover, highlighting the wrestling legend’s passing at age 71 after suffering cardiac arrest. The widespread media coverage and industry tributes demonstrate Hogan’s enduring impact on professional wrestling and popular culture.
Hogan’s death marks the end of an era for professional wrestling, as he represented one of the sport’s most recognizable figures during its transformation into mainstream entertainment. His influence extended beyond wrestling rings, making him a household name and cultural icon whose legacy shaped multiple generations of fans and performers.
The circumstances surrounding his death underscore the health challenges he faced in recent months, despite previous reassurances about his condition. His passing at his Florida residence brings closure to weeks of speculation about his well-being while confirming the wrestling community’s loss of one of its most significant figures.
On Thursday, July 31, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared that Friday, August 1, would be recognized statewide as “Hulk Hogan Day” to honor the WWE legend.
DeSantis also announced that both the U.S. and Florida flags would be flown at half-staff on Friday at the state capitol and throughout Pinellas County, which includes Clearwater, where Hogan spent the last 13 years of his life.