Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan died at the age of 71, the Florida police confirmed in an announcement on Thursday.According to a statement from the Clearwater Police Department, officers responded to a cardiac arrest call from the wrestler’s home. However, he was pronounced dead after being rushed to a nearby hospital.
Cause of Death
The official cause of death has not yet been detailed, other than the report of cardiac arrest. No specific factors contributing to his death have been revealed.Hogan was an icon of the WWE during its explosive rise in the 1980s and 1990s. From headlining the first WrestleMania in 1985 to his rivalries with Andre The Giant, Randy Savage, The Rock, Hogan is credited for transforming wrestling into global sports entertainment. He won at least six WWE championships and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.Shortly after the news of his demise broke on Facebook, the WWE mourned his passing in a statement that read, “One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Hollywood Stars Mourn Hulk’s Demise
Tributes poured in from across the entertainment and sports world, with celebrities and fellow wrestlers expressing shock and heartfelt remembrance. Actor Sylvester Stallone, who co-starred with Hogan in Rocky III, wrote on Instagram, “I had the pleasure of meeting this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26 years old. He was absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky III incredibly special. My heart breaks. I think that he’s gone…”Actress Brooke Shields posted a nostalgic photo of herself arm wrestling Hogan with comedian Kathy Griffin looking on. “Rest easy, Hulk. This moment and his entire guest episode on Suddenly Susan was a true highlight,” she shared. “Sending love to all of his loved ones today.”Actor Elijah Wood told the Associated Press, “Even if you weren’t a wrestling fan, [Hulk Hogan and his peers] were a fixture of pop culture… It’s wild.”YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul also offered his condolences via X, reflecting on Hogan’s encouragement, “Always appreciated your kind words and encouragement. Hulk Hogan brought WWE to the masses globally. Rest easy.”
Wrestling World Remembers it’s Icon
Fellow wrestling legend Ric Flair expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his close friend, “I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan!… Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!”Wrestler Kane remembered his childhood idol and colleague, “It was easy to do a Hulkster impersonation when, like millions of guys my age, I’d practiced it in the mirror a thousand times growing up,” he wrote, sharing a clip of the two performing together.WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque reflected on Hogan’s legacy, “Few, if any, loomed larger than Terry ‘Hulk Hogan’ Bollea. He was the archetype of what it meant to be a ‘Superstar’ — a global sensation that inspired millions.”The Undertaker also took to his handle to share some photos and a note that read, “The wrestling world has lost a true legend. His contributions to our business are immeasurable and for that I am appreciative. Thank you, Hulk Hogan.”
Trump Pays Tribute
U.S. President Donald Trump, a long-time acquaintance, called Hogan a “great friend”, “Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart. He entertained fans from all over the world, and the cultural impact he had was massive.” Trump also praised Hogan’s memorable speech at the Republican National Convention, calling it one of the “highlights of the entire week.”
