Legendary professional wrestler Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71. The WWE announced his death on Thursday, July 24, describing him as “one of pop culture’s most recognisable figures” who was instrumental in propelling the company—then the WWF—onto the global stage during the 1980s.
Born Terry Gene Bollea in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan became a household name during the height of professional wrestling’s popularity in the ’80s. As the central figure of the “Hulkamania” era, he captivated fans with his red-and-yellow outfits, signature bandana, and charismatic catchphrases. He headlined multiple WrestleMania events and played a key role in bringing wrestling into the mainstream.
According to TMZ, emergency responders arrived at Hogan’s home in Clearwater, Florida, on Thursday morning after receiving a call about a cardiac arrest. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance, though the precise cause of death has not yet been released.
Hogan had two children, Brooke and Nick, with his first wife, Linda, whom he divorced in 2007. He later married Jennifer McDaniel in 2010; their marriage ended in 2022. He wed Sky Daily in 2023.
Reports had circulated recently regarding Hogan’s health, though his wife, Sky, had dismissed claims of a serious condition, stating he was recovering well from a neck surgery and that his heart was functioning properly.
In July 2024, Hogan made a public appearance at the Republican National Convention in support of Donald Trump’s campaign. His final appearance on WWE programming came during the Netflix premiere of Monday Night Raw on January 6, 2025.
