Terry Bollea, better known to the world as Hulk Hogan, has passed away at the age of 71. The iconic World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star died on Thursday after suffering cardiac arrest, according to authorities in Clearwater, Florida.
Officials from the Clearwater Police and Fire Departments confirmed they responded to a cardiac emergency shortly before 10 a.m. Hogan was transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
WWE confirmed the news in a statement, expressing deep sorrow over the loss. “WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped propel WWE to international prominence in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Born Terry Bollea in 1953, Hogan rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s, becoming a household name not just in wrestling but also in film and television. With his trademark blonde moustache, bandana, yellow boots, and powerful physique, he captivated audiences worldwide and became a symbol of professional wrestling’s golden era.
A six-time WWE Champion, Hogan headlined eight of the first nine WrestleMania events and played a central role in WWE’s rise to global prominence. His influence extended beyond the ring, helping to shape wrestling as a mainstream entertainment powerhouse.
In 2015, Hogan faced public backlash over a racist scandal that led to his dismissal from WWE. However, he was reinstated in 2018 and restored to the company’s Hall of Fame roster.
Tributes have poured in from across the wrestling world, including from longtime friend and fellow legend Ric Flair. In a heartfelt post on X, Flair said he was “absolutely shocked” by Hogan’s passing. “An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father. Our friendship has meant the world to me,” he wrote.
Hulk Hogan’s legacy as a wrestling icon and cultural phenomenon remains indelible, with millions mourning the loss of one of the sport’s most enduring figures.
