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New Details Emerge About The Death Of Hulk Hogan At 71

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Hulk Hogan
Photo Credit: "Hulk Hogan" by MikeKalasnik is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/?ref=openverse.

Pro wrestling mainstay Terry Gene Bollea, more famously known as Hulk Hogan, died Thursday morning at the age of 71.

According to initial reports, emergency medical personnel responded to a 911 call from Hogan’s Clearwater, Florida residence after receiving information that he was suffering from a possible cardiac event.

Emergency crews reportedly stayed on the scene for an extended period before transporting the wrestling icon to a nearby hospital.

City officials in Clearwater later confirmed that police and fire rescue teams were dispatched to the home at 9:51 a.m. after receiving a “cardiac arrest” call.

Bollea was then transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where doctors ultimately declared him deceased.

Chris Volo, Hogan’s longtime manager, confirmed to NBC Los Angeles that the WWE Hall of Famer passed away while surrounded by family.

Speculation about Hogan’s health had picked up in recent weeks after internet chatter suggested the former champion was either in a coma or near death.

His wife, Sky Daily Bollea, attempted to shut down the rumors earlier this summer, claiming he was “doing well” and recovering from neck surgery that he reportedly underwent in May.

Despite her reassurances, rumors swirled across social media and wrestling fan forums.

One of the main sources of concern for fans came after a strange television appearance earlier this year, where Hogan was a featured guest on “Fox & Friends” in May.

Viewers were unsettled by his appearance, noting a stark change in his trademark look.

The wrestling icon, once known for his bronzed complexion and snow-white beard, appeared with darkened facial hair against otherwise graying hair — a contrast that puzzled longtime followers.

His face also appeared more gaunt and weathered than fans were accustomed to.

Despite this, some close to Hogan continued to claim everything was fine.

Two days before his death, Jimmy Hart, Hogan’s friend and former manager, posted an upbeat message on X, claiming the wrestling star was in great spirits.

Hart’s update came in response to a claim made on “The Bubba the Love Sponge Show,” where the titular host said Hart had been telling people Hogan was in dire condition and had lost the ability to speak.

“Hulk is doing great, doing phenomenal! Last night at karaoke with Nick was absolutely fantastic, baby!!!” Hart wrote in a post Tuesday, suggesting that the wrestling legend was still active and social.

Just weeks earlier, however, Bubba had issued a darker update during one of his broadcasts.

“Hogan’s not doing well, he can’t speak, his [trachea] or whatever’s damaged and he’s having problems and it does not look good,” the host claimed during a June episode.

He went on to claim that Hogan had been transported home from a medical facility and was now bedridden — though not technically in hospice care.

“He’s not in such dire needs that he needs to be in close proximity to an emergency facility,” Bubba stated. “He’s stable enough to be at home … but I’ve been told that’s where he’s at now.”

The radio host also described an allegedly elaborate effort to conceal Hogan’s medical transport, likening it to tactics used to hide Michael Jackson from paparazzi.

“The security guard said the measures they went to make sure nobody saw him transported in an ambulance to his home was like Michael Jackson-type stuff,” Bubba said.

“My source says allegedly it was all done through the loading docks and unmarked ambulances, followed by an escort, then followed by the backed up to the house with the garage door open, happened in the middle of the night.”

Hogan, whose larger-than-life persona helped catapult professional wrestling into mainstream pop culture throughout the 1980s and ’90s, was the centerpiece of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), which later became WWE.

His career with the WWF spanned from 1983 to 1993, with a major comeback beginning in 2002.

He launched to superstardom after defeating The Iron Sheik in 1984, capturing his first WWF Championship and kickstarting what would become known as “Hulkamania.”

His popularity soared as he headlined numerous WrestleMania events and became a crossover entertainment figure.

In 1990 and 1991, Hogan became the first wrestler in company history to win back-to-back Royal Rumble matches.

He later jumped ship to World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1994, where he shocked fans by forming the New World Order (nWo). He remained with WCW until 2000.

Hogan briefly returned to WWE in 2002 and captured the Undisputed Championship, earning his sixth and final WWE title reign.

His final in-ring appearances remained sporadic, though he stayed heavily involved in wrestling-related events and promotions in the years that followed.

Outside the ring, Hogan had two children, Brooke, 37, and Nick, 34, whom he shared with his former wife Linda. The two were married in 1983 and finalized their divorce in July 2009.

The WWE released a statement shortly after news of his passing broke: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the organization said through social media.

“One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

In recent years, Hogan had become increasingly aligned with Republican politics.

He made an appearance at the GOP convention in 2024, where he tore his shirt open onstage in support of then-candidate and now-President Donald Trump.

Vice President JD Vance posted a social media tribute to the WWE icon.

“Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid,” Vance tweeted.

“The last time I saw him we promised we’d get beers together next time we saw each other,” he added. “The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace.”

President Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., posted a tribute on X: “R.I.P to a legend,” adding stars and stripes emojis.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson also shared memories of the wrestling icon.

“We all have fond memories of @HulkHogan. From my childhood in the ‘80s, to campaigning with him last year, I always saw him as a giant in stature and in life. May he rest in peace,” Johnson wrote.

Ric Flair, another titan of professional wrestling and longtime friend of Hogan, posted a lengthy tribute as well.

“I am absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of my close friend @hulkhogan,” Flair wrote. “Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business. An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father! Our friendship has meant the world to me.”

Flair recalled Hogan’s presence during a life-threatening illness and noted that Hogan even offered financial help during his son Reid’s illness. “Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you! Rest in peace my friend!”

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