After rumors swirled about wrestling icon Hulk Hogan’s health, it was confirmed Thursday that he had died. Hogan was 71 years old.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” said WWE in an X post. “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.”
Hogan is the stage name of Tony Bollea, a Georgia native known for his long wrestling career. He remained a key figure in “sports-entertainment” according to World Wrestling Entertainment and is beloved by his “Hulkamaniac” fans. Last year, Hogan joined Audacy stations WCCO News Talk and WWJ Newsradio.
Law enforcement also confirmed Hogan’s passing.
“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,” said the Clearwater Police Department.
TMZ first reported the WWE wrestler’s death. According to the outlet, medics were dispatched to his Clearwater, Fla., home early Thursday morning for a reported “cardiac arrest” incident.
“We’re told a slew of police cars and EMTs were parked outside Hogan’s home... and the icon was carried on a stretcher and into an ambulance,” TMZ said. It noted that his wife, Sky recently denied rumors that her husband was in a coma and said his heart was “strong” as he recovered from surgeries.
In a Tuesday X post, wrestling manager Jimmy Hart said: “Hulk is doing great, doing phenomenal! Last night at karaoke with Nick was absolutely fantastic, baby!!!”
Just this week, the Hollywood Reporter said that Fox Nation announced it will be the exclusive broadcast partner for Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff’s Real American Freestyle wrestling league.
“The inaugural event, ‘RAF01,’ will take place on Saturday, Aug. 30 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland,” said the report.
Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Daily Hogan, and his children, Brooke and Nick, according to Newsweek.
After news of Hogan’s death broke, condolences began pouring in.
“I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan!” said fellow wrestling icon Ric Flair in an X post. “Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! 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!”