Professional Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Dies at 71
Hulk Hogan, former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstar and one of the most recognizable figures in the sports entertainment industry, has died at the age of 71. Hogan died from cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, the WWE and local authorities confirmed. “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the WWE said in a July 24 statement on X.
“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.” The Clearwater Fire Department and Police Department responded to a call on the morning of July 24 following reports of an individual suffering from cardiac arrest, according to a Facebook news alert.
Upon arrival, medical personnel treated Hogan—born Terrence Gene Bollea—before he was transported by Sunstar paramedics to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He is survived by his third wife, Sky Daily, and two children, Brooke and Nick.
The Epoch Times reached out to Hogan’s manager, Chris Volo, for comment but did not hear back by publication time. Born on Aug. 11, 1953, the wrestling legend turned film and reality television star made a name for himself after joining the WWE in the late 1970s.
Hogan made his name as “The Real American,” known for his trademark handlebar mustache, while donning his signature yellow-and-red outfit and bandanas throughout his wrestling career. Notably, he was the main draw for the first WrestleMania in 1985, and throughout his 14-year career with the WWE, he established a major fan base that he dubbed the “Hulkamaniacs.”
Hogan was the first male athlete to win two consecutive Royal Rumbles and became a six-time champion with the WWE. His most memorable performances included matchups against André the Giant, Randy Savage, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Vince McMahon.
In 2005, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, and once more in 2020 as part of the New World Order. Hogan’s WWE career came to an end in 2015 after he was caught on tape using racial slurs. His contract was terminated at the time, although he was reinstated following a three-year suspension, returning to WWE shows in 2018.