The world lost a wrestling legend—and now, the cause behind Hulk Hogan’s sudden passing has been officially confirmed.
According to records from the Pinellas County Forensic Science Center, Hulk Hogan, real name Terry Gene Bollea, died from an acute myocardial infarction—commonly known as a heart attack—at the age of 71.
The WWE Hall of Famer, who helped redefine professional wrestling and pop culture in the 1980s and 90s, passed away on Thursday morning in Clearwater, Florida, leaving generations of fans stunned and heartbroken.
Medical Report Confirms Long-Rumored Heart Issues
The newly released medical report also sheds light on some of Hogan’s long-standing health struggles. The wrestling icon reportedly had a history of atrial fibrillation, a chronic condition that causes irregular and often rapid heartbeats, increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure, and—tragically—heart attacks.
Additionally, Hogan had been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a slow-growing form of blood cancer. While it’s unclear how advanced the cancer was or how directly it may have contributed to his death, the heart attack was listed as the primary cause.
911 Call: Paramedics Responded to “Cardiac Arrest”
TMZ Sports broke the story early Thursday morning, reporting that emergency services were called to Hogan’s Florida home at 9:51 AM after a 911 call reported cardiac arrest.
Despite paramedics’ efforts and the medical team’s attempts to revive him at the hospital, Hogan was pronounced dead shortly after 11 AM.
A Wife’s Denial Turns Into Tragedy
Hogan’s wife, Sky Daily Hogan, had been downplaying rumors of her husband’s declining health in recent weeks. She previously told press that despite past surgeries, his heart was “strong” and denied social media chatter claiming Hogan had been in a coma.
“He’s recovering just fine,” Sky said in an interview just weeks ago.
“His heart is strong, and he’s still the same tough guy we all know and love.”
Unfortunately, his condition took a sudden turn, catching even close friends and family off guard.
Hogan’s History of Surgeries and Setbacks
Though Hogan always projected strength, his body had endured decades of punishment in the ring. He was candid over the years about the physical toll wrestling had taken on him.
In multiple interviews, he revealed undergoing at least 25 surgeries over a 10-year span following his retirement, including procedures on his back, knees, hips, and more.
“I’ve been rebuilt more times than a classic car,” he once joked during a fan Q&A.
“But I’d do it all over again for the fans.”
Still, even the most loyal Hulkamaniacs never expected to lose their hero so suddenly.
A Global Outpouring of Grief
Since the news of his passing broke, fans from around the globe—spanning generations—have flooded social media with tributes, memories, and tears. The hashtag #RIPHulkHogan quickly began trending worldwide, with millions of posts commemorating the icon’s legacy.
Some of the most high-profile names in politics and pop culture also expressed their sorrow.
Donald Trump Pays Tribute
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, a longtime friend and WWE Hall of Fame inductee himself, released a heartfelt statement following the announcement.
“Hulk Hogan was more than a champion—he was an American icon. A hero to millions. I’m honored to have called him a friend,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
WWE Honors the Legend
WWE paid tribute to Hogan during multiple shows following his passing. On Monday Night Raw, a special video package rolled, showcasing some of Hogan’s most legendary moments—from slamming André the Giant at WrestleMania III to his unforgettable theme, “Real American.”
His son, Nick Hogan, was in attendance at Raw, seen wiping tears as fans gave a standing ovation. Fellow WWE legends like Ric Flair, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Triple H also shared tributes online.
“There will never be another like him. Rest in peace, brother,”
—Triple H posted on X.
The Legacy of a Legend
Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler—he was the face of an era.
Rising to superstardom in the 1980s, Hogan brought WWE (then WWF) into the mainstream. With his bulging biceps, handlebar mustache, yellow bandana, and iconic catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?!”, Hogan helped turn wrestling into a global entertainment empire.
He headlined eight of the first nine WrestleManias, starred in movies like No Holds Barred and Suburban Commando, and even had his own Saturday morning cartoon, Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling.
But his impact wasn’t limited to the ring. Hogan became a pop culture phenomenon, influencing everything from TV commercials to action figures to music videos.
In later years, Hogan faced public controversy, legal battles, and personal setbacks—but to fans who grew up chanting “Hulkamania,” he remained a larger-than-life figure until the very end.
What’s Next for the Hogan Family?
No details have been released yet regarding a memorial or funeral service. Sources close to the family say they are still processing the sudden loss and asking for privacy.
Hogan is survived by his wife Sky, his daughter Brooke Hogan, and son Nick Hogan—who both posted cryptic tributes on social media the night of his death.
📝 Here’s What We Know:
- Hulk Hogan’s official cause of death was an acute heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- He had a history of atrial fibrillation and was also diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- Hogan was 71 years old
- Paramedics responded to a cardiac arrest call at his Florida home, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital
- Wife Sky Hogan had recently claimed his heart was strong
- Hogan had over 25 surgeries since retirement
- Tributes poured in from WWE, celebrities, politicians—including Donald Trump
- WWE honored him on Monday Night Raw, with son Nick Hogan in attendance
🕊 How are you remembering Hulk Hogan? Did he shape your childhood too? Drop your tributes in the comments and let us know your favorite Hulk moment.
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