Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71, according to reports.
Emergency personnel were dispatched to Hogan’s residence in Clearwater, Florida early Thursday morning, responding to what was reported as a “cardiac arrest” situation.
TMZ reports that multiple police vehicles and emergency medical teams were spotted outside the wrestling legend’s home, where he was seen being transported on a stretcher into an ambulance.
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According to law enforcement, the call came in at 9:51 a.m., prompting immediate response from Clearwater Fire & Rescue, who administered medical attention before he was moved to a nearby hospital.
Hogan was declared dead at the hospital.Authorities have indicated that more information will be provided during a press briefing scheduled for later on Thursday.
Just a few weeks prior, Hogan’s wife, Sky, had dismissed widespread rumors suggesting he was in a coma. She said, “his heart was ‘strong’ as he recovered from surgeries.”
It’s worth noting that speculation swirled last month claiming Hogan was on his “deathbed,” but sources clarified he was simply recovering from a neck operation he had undergone in May.
Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler—he was a cultural revolution in sports entertainment. Before his rise, wrestling had a niche following. Hogan’s charisma and showmanship drew in younger viewers and entire families, breathing new life into the industry.
His breakthrough moment came in 1984 when he defeated the Iron Sheik for the World Heavyweight Championship, igniting the era of “Hulkamania.” His signature bandana and trademark mustache became symbols worn by fans around the world for decades.
In 1996, Hogan shocked fans by reinventing his image. He turned heel, formed the legendary New World Order (NWO), and adopted the name Hollywood Hulk Hogan—taking both his persona and professional wrestling’s popularity to new heights.
Throughout his career, Hogan delivered countless unforgettable moments. From his iconic clash with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania X8 in 2002, to his historic bout with Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III, Hogan also had storied rivalries with the likes of Randy Savage and the Ultimate Warrior.
In 2005, Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. However, a controversy in 2015 involving racially offensive remarks captured on a secretly recorded tape led to his removal. The footage, published by Gawker, resulted in a lawsuit that Hogan won.
In 2020, he was once again honored by WWE—this time as a member of the NWO.Hogan also made headlines at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where his lively performance captured national attention.
Beyond the wrestling ring, Hogan found success in Hollywood. His acting career began in 1982 with a role in Rocky III, portraying the larger-than-life character Thunderlips. He later starred in cult classics like No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny.
He also brought his family life to television with VH1’s hit reality series Hogan Knows Best, featuring his then-wife Linda and their children, Nick and Brooke.
Despite enduring dozens of surgeries due to wrestling-related injuries, Hogan remained active and passionate about the sport. In a candid interview with Harvey Levin on Objectified, he joked that “he had no original body parts left.”
Most recently, Hogan was promoting Real American Freestyle, a new amateur wrestling initiative set to debut August 30 on Fox Nation. The last interview with him was in May, during the early stages of this project.
