How Did Hulk Hogan Die? WWE Legend Died Suddenly Aged 71 at His Florida Home as Cause of Death Revealed
Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has died. He was 71 years old. The WWE legend, real name Terry Bollea, died early Thursday morning after emergency responders were despached to his home in Clearwater, Florida, according to TMZ. Operators said that the call was related to a suspected “cardiac arrest”.
Police cars and emergency medical teams were seen outside Hogan’s home, where the wrestling icon was placed on a stretcher and taken away in an ambulance. His sudden death comes just weeks after his wife, Sky, dismissed rumors that he was in a coma or near death—insisting at the time that his heart was “strong” after a routine neck surgery.
Sudden and Unexpected Death
Hogan is survived by his third wife, Sky, whom he married in 2023, as well as his two children, Brooke, 37, and Nick, 34, from his first marriage to Linda Claridge. He also leaves behind two grandchildren.
Last month, Hogan’s representative released a statement saying, “He’s had problems with his back for years but there’s no emergency.”
Hogan had previously spoken about the toll his body had taken, revealing he’d undergone “25 surgeries in the past ten years.”
During an appearance on Jake Paul’s IMPAULSIVE podcast last year, he explained, “Ten of them were back surgeries. I’ve had both knees and hips replaced, shoulders — everything.”
Fans grew increasingly concerned about his health after he appeared as a guest on Fox & Friends in early May, sporting a noticeably different appearance.
Known for his signature deep tan, Hogan’s skin looked especially aged on air, and his typically white beard had been dyed black—while his goatee and hair remained white—creating an unusual and strange contrast.
One viewer wrote online: “Tell Hulk Hogan his face is dirty, clean that soot off.”
“Does anyone believe this is Hulk Hogan?” wrote another.
“Hulk Hogan giving off Wooly Willy vibes this am on Fox & Friends,” yet another wrote
A Legend Is Gone
In the 1980s, Hogan played a crucial role in transforming WWE from a local wrestling promotion based in New York into a global entertainment powerhouse. He became one of the most beloved and successful “babyfaces” (heroes) in wrestling history and was a key figure in the success of WrestleMania, headlining eight of the first nine events.
In recent years, Hogan also stepped into the political spotlight by publicly supporting Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, which ultimately proved victorious.
In January, Hogan tore off his sleeves live on Fox News, fully embracing ‘Trumpamania’ during the inaugural ball.
Tributes poured in from across the sports world for the wrestling legend who rose beyond the ring to become a major pop culture figure of the 1980s.
Donald Trump Jr paid tribute to Hogan, writing to X, “R.I.P to a legend” and added a selfie of himself with the wrestling star.
Wrestling icon Ric Flair wrote, “I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan! Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me.
“He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn’t Ask For Him To Be. He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!”
Former MLB pitcher John Rocker wrote, “A patriot, and a true American. RIP Hulk Hogan.”
