Hulk Hogan, the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Famer who helped bring professional wrestling into the mainstream in the 1980s following his first championship win at Madison Square Garden, has died at the age of 71.
Hogan, born Terry Bollea, suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, FL, at 9:51 a.m. on July 24, the Clearwater Police Department said.
According to authorities, Hogan was treated by Clearwater Fire and Rescue at his residence in the 1000 block of Eldorado Avenue before being transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Hogan’s death comes as a Midtown entrepreneur works to open a sports bar themed for the Hulkster and bearing his name just across the street from the Garden, where Hogan first won the then-WWF World Championship back in 1984 and headlined the first Wrestlemania the following year.
Hogan’s family confirmed his death in an Instagram post Thursday afternoon, calling the wrestling icon “a legend” and asking for privacy during their time of grief.
“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend,” the post read. “Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones.”
The family thanked fans for their support and asked for privacy.
“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,” the statement said. “He will be missed, but never forgotten.”
Hogan’s wife, Sky Daily, had previously dismissed recent reports by TMZ that the wrestling legend was on his “death bed,” saying he was recovering from neck surgery.
WWE said in a statement it was “saddened to learn of the passing of Hulk Hogan,” calling him “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures.”
“Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s,” the company said, adding that it extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.
Vince McMahon, former WWE chairman and CEO, paid tribute to Hogan, calling him “the greatest WWE Superstar of all time” and “a global phenomenon.”
“The world lost a treasure today,” McMahon said in a statement. “Hulk Hogan was the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME, someone who was loved and admired around the world. He was a trailblazer, the first performer who transitioned from being a wrestling star into a global phenomenon.”
McMahon praised Hogan’s “grit and unbridled thirst for success,” calling him “the consummate performer” who gave everything to the audience, whom he appreciated, respected, and loved.”
Known for his signature bleached blonde hair and matching handlebar mustache, Hogan had also become one of the most controversial stars in wrestling history for a number of scandals, including a racist tirade, a free speech lawsuit that bankrupted the media site Gawker, and his public support of President Donald Trump.
Trump, who Hogan endorsed ahead of the 2024 election, paid tribute Thursday afternoon to his “great friend.”
“Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart. He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, which was one of the highlights of the entire week,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive. To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”
