Hulk Hogan, one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling, has died at the age of 71, according to Florida police and WWE. The Hall of Famer, known for his flamboyant persona and towering presence, is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest on Thursday, 24 July. Authorities in Clearwater, Florida, responded to an emergency call that morning, and Hogan was later pronounced dead at hospital.
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Born Terry Bollea, Hogan rose to global fame throughout the 1980s and 90s, becoming a mainstay of both WWF/WWE and WCW. He headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985 and went on to face major stars such as André the Giant, Randy Savage, The Rock, and even WWE chairman Vince McMahon. Hogan captured at least six WWE Championship titles and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
Beyond wrestling, Hogan enjoyed a successful career in entertainment. He appeared in films, television programmes, and notably starred in the VH1 reality series Hogan Knows Best, which followed his family life. In 2016, he was awarded £85 million in damages after a Florida jury ruled in his favour in a high-profile lawsuit against Gawker Media, which had published a private video without his consent.
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WWE shared a statement on social media expressing its sorrow at Hogan’s passing, describing him as “one of pop culture’s most recognisable figures” who played a vital role in helping WWE gain international prominence during the 1980s. The organisation extended its condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world.
