Hulk Hogan, Wrestling Icon and Pop Culture Legend, Dies at 71

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4 days ago

Hulk Hogan, Wrestling Icon and Pop Culture Legend, Dies at 71 originally appeared on Parade.
Hulk Hogan, the pro wrestling titan who helped launch WWE into mainstream stardom and became one of the most recognizable figures in sports entertainment history, has died at 71.
His family confirmed the news to Us Weekly. His manager, Chris Volo, confirmed to NBC that Hogan died while surrounded by loved ones at his home in Clearwater, Florida. TMZ Sports was first to report that emergency responders were called to Hogan's home early Thursday morning for a 'cardiac arrest.'
According to the outlet, multiple police vehicles and EMTs were seen outside the residence, and Hogan — born Terry Gene Bollea — was carried from the scene on a stretcher before being transported by ambulance.
A statement shared with Parade from the Clearwater Fire Department and Police Department said that officials responded to a medical call at 9:51 a.m.
"The nature of the call was for a cardiac arrest," the statement said. "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." A media briefing will be held today at 1:30 p.m. at Clearwater Police Department headquarters. As of Thursday afternoon, no official statement has been released by Hogan's family or representatives. The WWE shared that it was "saddened" by the news, calling Hogan "one of pop culture's most recognizable figures" and extending condolences to his family, friends, and fans.
Parade reached out to Hogan's reps, but did not immediately hear back.
The shocking news comes just weeks after speculation swirled about Hogan's health, with rumors circulating that he was in a coma or on his 'deathbed.'
At the time, those claims were publicly denied by Hogan's wife, Sky, who told TMZ that 'his heart was strong' and that he was simply recovering from a recent spinal procedure.
"No, he's definitely not in a coma! His heart is strong, and there was never any lack of oxygen or brain damage… none of those rumors are true," she said earlier this month.
'Hulk had pretty serious heart surgery a few weeks ago and was doing well afterward,' another source told UsWeekly at the time.
It was also reported that Hogan had undergone a major neck surgery in May — an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion — and was experiencing post-operative symptoms.
Close friend and longtime wrestling manager Jimmy Hart also pushed back on the rumors just last week, telling fans on social media, 'Hulk is doing great, doing phenomenal! Last night at karaoke with Nick was absolutely fantastic, baby!!!'
Hogan, who had endured over two dozen surgeries in the past decade, including repeated operations on his back, knees, shoulders, and hips, was known to be living with chronic pain.
Still, until Thursday, the tone from those around him remained positive.
Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in Tampa, Florida, Hogan became the face of professional wrestling in the 1980s. With his iconic handlebar mustache, red-and-yellow gear, and booming charisma, he was larger than life both inside and outside the ring.
Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Daily Hogan, and his children, Brooke and Nick, from his first marriage. The family has yet to comment publicly, and no funeral details have been released at this time.
This is a developing story...
Hulk Hogan, Wrestling Icon and Pop Culture Legend, Dies at 71 first appeared on Parade on Jul 24, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
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