Wrestling legend Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea died on Thursday at the age of 71. News of Hogan’s passing was first reported by news outlet TMZ.
According to the Clearwater Fire and Police Departments, a 911 call was made for a person in possible cardiac arrest at Hogan’s Clearwater Beach home. Hogan was treated by fire and rescue crews before being transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. During a news conference Thursday afternoon, Clearwater Police Maj. Nate Burnside said Hulk died at 11:17 AM, adding that there are “no signs of foul play or suspicious activity.”
Hogan’s professional wrestling career began in the late 1970s, but his huge popularity began in the mid-1980s when he helped Vince McMahon turn the WWE (then WWF) into a national brand, and eventually a multi-billion-dollar company. Hogan kickstarted the pop culture phenomenon with “Hulkamania” after defeating the Iron Sheik for the World Heavyweight Championship in 1984, with his signature bandana and handlebar mustache often copied by fans.
Hogan also had a successful movie career, beginning in 1982 with “Rocky III’” he also starred in the films “No Holds Barred,” “Suburban Commando” and “Mr. Nanny.” In 2006, he starred for two seasons in the hit VH1 reality show, “Hogan Knows Best,” with his family: then-wife, Linda, and children Nick and Brooke.
Hulk was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, but was removed in 2015 after a scandal erupted over racist comments he made while being secretly recorded. After winning a lawsuit against Gawker who published the recording, Hulk was inducted a second time in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020 as a member of NWO (New World Order). The WWE posted on X: ‘WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. 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.’
One of Hogan’s biggest wrestling rivals, Ric Flair (who was one of his closest friends outside the ring), posted on X: “I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan! 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. He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn’t Ask For Him To Be. He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend! 
”
Hogan is survived by his third wife, Sky Daily, and two children, Brooke and Nick.
Editorial credit: Maxim Elramsisy / Shutterstock.com
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