Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan Passes Away at 71
Clearwater, Florida – July 25, 2025 – The wrestling world is in mourning following the sudden death of Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, who passed away at the age of 71 on July 24, 2025.
The legendary wrestler suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, as confirmed by multiple reports from major American news outlets, including Newsweek, People, ABC News, CNN, and TMZ.
Emergency services were dispatched to Hogan’s residence at approximately 8:47 p.m. on Thursday evening after a distress call was made. Despite the rapid response from Clearwater paramedics, Hogan was pronounced dead at the scene, according to NBC News and CBS Sports.
Sources close to the family, cited by TMZ and Fox News, revealed that Hogan had been grappling with health issues in recent years, including a highly publicized neck surgery in May 2025.
While the exact circumstances leading to his cardiac arrest remain under investigation, his recent medical history has been noted as a contributing factor.
Hulk Hogan, a towering figure in professional wrestling, was a cultural icon whose charisma and larger-than-life persona transcended the sport. Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan rose to fame in the 1980s as the face of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE).
His signature red and yellow attire, “Hulkamania” catchphrase, and relentless positivity inspired generations of fans. The New York Times and ESPN highlighted his role in transforming wrestling into a global phenomenon, noting his starring roles in blockbuster events like WrestleMania and his crossover appeal in films and television, including Rocky III and the reality show Hogan Knows Best.
Tributes poured in from across the entertainment and political spectrum. Former President Donald Trump, a longtime friend and WWE Hall of Fame inductee himself, expressed his grief on social media, calling Hogan “a true patriot and a champion in every sense” (Fox News).
Wrestling legend Ric Flair, quoted by CBS News, described Hogan as “my brother and the heart of wrestling,” while WWE President Vince McMahon, in a statement reported by Variety, said, “Hulk Hogan built this industry with his bare hands.
His legacy will live forever.” Fans and wrestlers alike shared heartfelt messages, with Today and NPR reporting on the outpouring of love at vigils held outside Hogan’s Clearwater home and at WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut.
Hogan’s impact extended beyond the ring. People and KTLA noted his philanthropy, particularly his work with children’s charities, and his ability to connect with fans through his mantra of “training, prayers, and vitamins.”
However, his career was not without controversy, including a 2015 scandal involving racist remarks that led to his temporary ban from WWE, as covered by CNN and Hindustan Times. Hogan later apologized and was reinstated to the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018, a move that sparked debate but underscored his enduring influence.
Hogan is survived by his wife, Jennifer McDaniel, his children, Brooke and Nick Hogan, and millions of fans who continue to chant “Hulkamania” in his honor. ESPN India reported that WWE is planning a tribute event, “Hulk Hogan Forever,” to celebrate his contributions, with details to be announced soon.
As the wrestling world reflects on his legacy, Variety aptly summarized: “Hulk Hogan didn’t just change wrestling; he changed how we dream big.”
