Hulk Hogan, one of the most influential figures in the history of professional wrestling, has died at age 71, according to multiple reports.
The former WWE star, born Terry Gene Bollea, was reportedly found unresponsive at his home in Clearwater, Florida, on Thursday morning. Emergency services were dispatched to the residence following a 911 call citing cardiac arrest, TMZ reports. Hogan was transported from the home on a stretcher and taken by ambulance. No official cause of death has been confirmed.
His representatives have not issued a public statement, and local authorities have not released additional details at this time.
Hulk Hogan’s Sudden Death Comes Days After Wife Denied Health Rumors
The news of Hogan’s passing comes less than a week after his wife, Sky Daily, publicly addressed online speculation about his health. In response to a fan question on Instagram suggesting Hogan was in a coma, she wrote:
“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.”
Her statement was meant to put concerns to rest, highlighting that the wrestling star was, at the time, in good health. The sudden reports of his death Thursday have shocked fans and prompted renewed questions about Hogan’s recent condition.
Police vehicles and medical personnel were seen outside the couple’s Florida home, according to initial on-scene reports.
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A Career That Defined an Era
Hogan’s impact on professional wrestling and pop culture is impossible to overstate. As the face of WWE during its explosive growth in the 1980s and 1990s, he became a household name known for his signature handlebar mustache, red-and-yellow gear, and “Hulkamania” catchphrases.
He headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985 and went on to star in numerous blockbuster matches, becoming a six-time WWE Champion and a founding member of the nWo in WCW. Hogan’s influence extended beyond the ring—he starred in movies, launched reality shows, and became one of the most recognized figures in American entertainment.
Though his legacy was later complicated by controversies and legal battles, Hogan remained a defining figure in the wrestling world and an enduring icon of an era.
Further statements from WWE, his family, and peers are expected in the coming hours.
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