Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan Dies at 71 After Cardiac Arrest
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan—real name Terrence Gene Bollea—has passed away at the age of 71. He was found unresponsive in his home in Clearwater, Florida, on the morning of July 24, 2025. Emergency responders rushed to his residence following a 911 call reporting cardiac arrest, according to TMZ and Page Six. Hogan was transported by ambulance but did not survive the medical emergency. His family later confirmed his death to Us Weekly, marking the end of a storied and complex life in various spheres of entertainment and celebrity.
Early Life and the Birth of “Hulkamania”
Terrence Bollea grew up in Augusta, Georgia, before moving to Tampa, Florida. He entered the world of professional wrestling in 1977, adopting the ring persona “Terry Boulder.” His breakout came in 1979 when Vince McMahon Sr. signed him to the then-World Wrestling Federation (now WWE). Hogan reinvented himself as Hulk Hogan, developing the larger-than-life “Hulkamania” persona—characterized by his bleach-blond hair, unwavering sense of justice, and signature red and yellow attire.
He quickly became the poster child for wrestling’s boom in the 1980s, headlining landmark matches against icons like André the Giant and The Ultimate Warrior. A 12-time world champion, Hogan’s influence extended far beyond the ring as he helped transform professional wrestling into a global entertainment phenomenon.
A Two-Time WWE Hall of Fame Inductee
Hogan was first inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 by his close friend Sylvester Stallone. Despite controversies—most notably a scandal in 2015 involving racist remarks—Hogan experienced a remarkable redemption arc and was re-inducted into the Hall in 2020. His legacy is defined by his success in and out of the ring—and by his willingness to confront and overcome personal failures.
From Film to Television
Beyond wrestling, Hogan became a recognizable pop culture figure. He had a memorable cameo in Rocky III alongside Stallone, starred in Gremlins 2, and headlined his family-focused reality show Hogan Knows Best. He was featured in over 200 television appearances, including The Love Boat. His crossover appeal kept him in the public eye across multiple platforms, contributing to his long-lasting cultural impact.
Personal Life and Health Journey
Hogan’s life was marked by numerous surgeries and chronic health challenges stemming from his high-impact career. He disclosed undergoing more than two dozen procedures between 2014 and 2024. In June, his wife, Sky Daily, publicly dismissed rumors that he was in a coma, noting his heart remained strong as he recovered from neck and back surgeries. Despite these reassurances, his health struggles continued.
Reports of Cardiac Arrest and Death
On the morning of July 24, 2025, a cardiac arrest prompted a 911 call to Hogan’s Clearwater home. According to TMZ, he was placed on a stretcher and transported to a local hospital. Page Six echoed these reports, noting emergency crews were seen outside his home and that medics treated a cardiac event.
Late that evening, Us Weekly confirmed the family’s statement that Hogan had died. This confirmation followed hours of speculation and uncertainty, with no statement initially issued by WWE or Hogan’s publicist.
Immediate Reaction and Official Confirmation
Shortly after initial reports, outlets including The Sun and People Magazine confirmed Hogan’s passing, attributing it to cardiac arrest. While WWE had not immediately issued a statement at the time of publication, The Sun reported that the company acknowledged Hogan’s death and expressed profound sorrow over his loss.
Hogan’s Complex Legacy
Hogan’s life and career were marked by remarkable highs and deep controversies:
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Iconic career: As wrestling’s most recognizable star, he helped the WWF reach worldwide fame and established a template for modern sports entertainment.
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Cultural influence: His presence extended into music, television, film, and even political events, including a cameo at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
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Public scandals: Hogan faced backlash for racist remarks leaked in 2015, resulting in a temporary suspension from WWE. He later made a public apology and was reinstated in 2020.
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Human resilience: Hogan was transparent about his personal failures—infidelity, legal battles, and health crises—yet remained determined in confronting them and moving forward.
RIP: Survivors and Personal Tributes
Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, whom he married in September 2023, and two children from his first marriage to Linda Hogan—Brooke and Nick. His extended family and network of friends in wrestling and Hollywood are expected to issue tributes in the coming days.
What Happens Now
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Official autopsy: Authorities may release more details once the autopsy is completed.
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WWE tribute: Anticipated official statements from WWE leadership are likely to follow.
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Public memorials: Fans and peers will remember Hogan’s impact through social media tributes and public displays of appreciation.
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Retrospectives: Media outlets are preparing extensive lookbacks on his career, influence, and personal journey.
Final Analysis
Hulk Hogan’s passing marks the end of an era in sports entertainment. As the architect of Hulkamania, his legacy reshaped professional wrestling on a global scale. At the same time, his personal and public battles—from scandal recovery to serious health issues—underscore the complexity of fame.
As we reflect on his life, Hogan stands as a figure of extraordinary success and profound human struggle. His story of reinvention, apology, resilience, and return resonates far beyond the squared circle. His death leaves a void in the world of wrestling and pop culture—but his influence will continue to be felt.
