Clearwater, Florida — July 24, 2025: Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, has died at the age of 71 following a heart attack at his home in Florida. According to Clearwater Police, emergency services were dispatched at 9:51 AM. Hogan was transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was declared dead at 11:17 AM.
Police officials confirmed that there were no signs of foul play, and a routine investigation is ongoing. His family released a brief statement requesting privacy and thanking fans for their support.
Known as the face of “Hulkamania”, Hogan rose to fame in the 1980s and became one of the most recognizable figures in professional wrestling worldwide. He was a six-time WWE Champion, a two-time Hall of Fame inductee, and the star of several WrestleMania main events.
Just days before his death, rumors about his deteriorating health were dismissed by close friend Jimmy Hart, who claimed Hogan was doing fine after recovering from a major neck surgery. He had even attended a karaoke night with his son Nick Hogan, showing signs of improvement.
Hogan’s death triggered a massive wave of tributes from the wrestling world and beyond. Fellow legends like Ric Flair, The Undertaker, and Vince McMahon called him a once-in-a-lifetime performer. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also paid tribute, calling Hogan “a true American icon.”
Hogan is survived by his wife Sky Daily, whom he married in 2023, and two children, Brooke and Nick. Though his legacy was marred by controversy—including a high-profile lawsuit against Gawker and a 2015 scandal—he eventually returned to WWE in 2018 and regained fan support.
From sold-out arenas to Saturday morning cartoons, Hulk Hogan shaped generations. His bandana, handlebar mustache, and iconic catchphrase “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?!” will forever echo in the hearts of wrestling fans worldwide.
