Legendary professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea (August 11, 1953), passed away at the age of 71 on July 24, 2025, at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Official records revealed the cause of death as an acute myocardial infarction—commonly known as a heart attack—and his passing was ruled natural by the Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Further details from medical records uncovered that Hogan had been privately battling significant health issues including atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm, and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)—a form of blood cancer he never made public during his life.
Emergency Response & Final Hours
On the morning of July 24, emergency services were dispatched to Hogan’s residence at approximately 9:50 a.m., following reports of cardiac arrest. Responders rushed him to Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, where he was pronounced dead later that morning.
Illnesses Kept Private
Although publicly, Hogan and his wife Sky Daily had dismissed speculation that his health was critical—Sky assuring fans in June 2025 that “his heart is strong”—family sources later confirmed he had been privately managing leukemia and chronic heart conditions.
In the months leading up to his death, Hogan underwent multiple surgeries—including a cervical fusion in May—which prompted rumors about his health. Despite the procedures, Sky maintained he was on the road to recovery. However, medical documents later showed these procedures may have masked deeper, undisclosed conditions.
Personal Relations and Family Strains
Hogan’s final years were marked by personal complexity and strained family relationships. Reports indicate he never met his daughter Brooke’s newborn twins, despite efforts by her husband, Steven Oleksy, and extended family to facilitate connections. Brooke’s estrangement from her father reportedly dated back years, culminating in her decision to remove herself from his will—not for monetary gain, but to protect her own emotional well‑being.
After his passing, Brooke announced she would return to her music career—something that had long been encouraged by her father—as a way to honor his legacy while healing from the loss.
Legacy: The Rise and Influence of Hulkamania
Hogan was a cornerstone of wrestling’s “golden era.” Debuting in the late 1970s and joining the World Wrestling Federation in 1983, he quickly became WWE’s flagship personality. His first WWF Championship victory over the Iron Sheik in 1984 ignited “Hulkamania”—transforming wrestling into mainstream entertainment and leading to the first WrestleMania in 1985.
With six WWF/WWE titles and Hall of Fame inductions in 2005 (and reinstatement after a temporary removal), Hogan headlined multiple WrestleMania events and brought wrestling to pop culture prominence.
Final Appearances and Public Reaction
His last taped WWE appearance in early 2025—during the debut of WWE Raw on Netflix—was met with boos, partly attributed to his public political support of Donald Trump. Reports say Hogan was emotionally affected by the reaction, though he later downplayed it, referencing his heel turn as part of the NWO storyline.
Following his death, heartfelt tributes poured in—from Sylvester Stallone, Ric Flair, music icon Brooke Shields, and fans worldwide. WWE posted a statement acknowledging his unparalleled contribution to wrestling and pop culture.
Remembering the Man Behind the Superstar
Hulk Hogan grew up in Augusta, Georgia, and Tampa, Florida. Though starting as a local musician, he found his calling in wrestling—becoming a household name defined by charisma, slogans like “Train, say your prayers, eat your vitamins,” and unmatched showmanship. Hogan’s enduring appeal—and his flaws—made him one of the most complex figures in sports entertainment history.
He leaves behind his wife Sky Daily, two children (Brooke and Nick) from his first marriage, and two grandchildren.
Reflecting on the Cause of Death
The official verdict—that Hulk Hogan died of an acute heart attack, influenced by atrial fibrillation and underlying leukemia—offers clarity to rumors and speculation surrounding his passing. It’s a poignant reminder that behind the spectacle of the ring, even icons are vulnerable, often fighting battles few knew existed.
In Summary
- Death confirmed: July 24, 2025, age 71, at home in Clearwater, Florida
- Official cause: acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), ruled natural
- Underlying conditions: atrial fibrillation, chronic lymphocytic leukemia—both previously unreported
- Private life: strained family relationships, especially with daughter Brooke; public appearances overshadowed by health concerns
- Legacy: Pro wrestling’s most iconic figure; helped turn WWE into global entertainment; actor, reality TV star, cultural symbol
Hulk Hogan’s life embodied contradiction: the heroic persona of a cultural titan, and the human experience of pain, illness, and personal estrangement. His confirmed cause of death closes a chapter on a legendary life marked by both triumph and tragedy.