WWE legend and Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has died at age 71.
Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, died after police and emergency medical personnel were called to his home in Clearwater, Florida, at 9:51 am on Thursday.
Clearwater Police told The U.S. Sun that first responders responded to Hogan’s home after receiving a call about a cardiac arrest.
Hogan was treated at his home before being transported to Morton Plant Hospital, according to a police report.
The WWE Hall of Famer was wheeled out of his home and mounted onto a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance, according to TMZ, who first reported his death.
He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
An official cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
WWE LEGEND GONE
The WWE confirmed Hogan’s death in a statement, “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.
“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.”
Wrestling legend Ric Flair shared a heartfelt tribute to his close friend, where he recollected on his own brush with death.
“Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business. An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father!” Flair wrote.
Hulk Hogan Hospitalized: WWE Legend Battles Health Rumors at 71
“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!”
Hogan’s ailing health had been widely reported in the weeks leading up to his death, including rumors that he was on his “deathbed” and in a coma.
However, Hogan’s wife, Sky, quickly quashed the reports, stating his heart was “strong” and he was recovering from a neck procedure.
Jimmy Hart, Hogan’s former longtime manager, updated fans on The Hulkster’s health on Tuesday, saying in an X post that he was “doing phenomenal.”
“Hulk is doing great, doing phenomenal! Last night at karaoke with Nick was absolutely fantastic, baby!!!” Hart wrote.
Police statement on Hulk Hogan’s death
Clearwater Fire Department and Clearwater Police Department personnel responded to a medical call at 9:51 a.m. today in the 1000 block of Eldorado Avenue on Clearwater Beach. The nature of the call was for a cardiac arrest. A 71-year-old resident, Terry Bollea, also known as Hulk Hogan, was treated by Clearwater Fire & Rescue crews before being taken by Sunstar to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
A media briefing will be at 1:30 p.m. at Clearwater Police Department headquarters, 645 Pierce St. Some parking is available east of the building; additional parking is in the old fire station parking lot just west of police headquarters.
The briefing is being held at the police department in an attempt to protect the privacy of the family. Any media compelled to respond to the scene should park in the rear of the Carlouel Yacht Club, 1091 Eldorado Ave. The staging area is located at Eldorado and Bay Esplanade.
HULKAMANIA
Hulk Hogan became a larger-than-life figure during the 1980s, soaring to new heights while a part of Vince McMahon’s WWE, then the World Wrestling Federation.
His far-reaching influence helped transform WWE into a global wrestling promotion juggernaut.
Hogan’s ring walk enchanted and captivated the imagination of millions of wrestling fans, sending crowds roaring every time his iconic Real American theme song blared throughout the arena.
The arena would go pure bedlam each time Hogan walked up to the center of the squared ring and began to tear his bright yellow shirt off – his signature pre-match act that was replicated by his Hulkamania fanbase for decades.
Hogan’s meteoric rise in pro-wrestling spilled beyond the ring and into acts on reality TV shows, TV commercials, and movies, including Rocky III starring Sylvester Stallone.
