Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Dies at 71 After Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Hulk Hogan, the larger-than-life wrestling superstar who helped transform WWE into a global entertainment empire, has died at the age of 71. The wrestling icon passed away Wednesday morning at his home in Clearwater, Florida, following a sudden cardiac arrest.
Emergency services were called to his residence shortly before 10 a.m., and he was transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His death has sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, with tributes pouring in from fans, athletes, and celebrities around the globe.
Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan rose to fame in the 1980s as the face of the then-WWF. With his red-and-yellow gear, handlebar mustache, and signature phrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?”, Hogan became a household name and a defining figure of wrestling’s golden era. He headlined the first WrestleMania and famously body-slammed André the Giant in front of 93,000 fans at WrestleMania III—moments that would become etched in pop culture history.
Hogan’s influence extended beyond the ring. He starred in movies, television shows, and commercials, cementing his status as a pop icon. His reality series, Hogan Knows Best, gave fans a glimpse into his personal life during the mid-2000s.
Throughout his decades-long career, Hogan captured multiple world championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice—first as a solo competitor and later as part of the legendary nWo faction. Despite controversies that clouded parts of his legacy, including a legal battle with Gawker and public backlash over leaked recordings, Hogan remained a powerful figure in sports entertainment.
In recent years, Hogan struggled with health issues, including several surgeries and chronic pain. His final public appearance came just weeks before his death, where he appeared at a fan event looking frail but upbeat.
He is survived by his wife Sky, his daughter Brooke, and his son Nick. For millions of fans, Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler—he was a symbol of strength, charisma, and a larger-than-life spirit that defined an entire generation of wrestling.
