Clearwater, FL – July 24, 2025 – Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, has died at 71 following a cardiac arrest at his Clearwater Beach home. First responders from Clearwater Fire & Rescue were called at 9:51 a.m. local time, and Hogan was transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:17 a.m.
Career Highlights & Cultural Impact
- 1980s revolution – Hogan burst into the spotlight in 1984 by defeating the Iron Sheik and quickly became WWE’s biggest draw. His unforgettable WrestleMania III moment against Andre the Giant drew 33 million viewers
- Crossover success – Beyond the ring, he appeared in Rocky III (1982), Hogan Knows Best, No Holds Barred, and Mr. Nanny .
- WCW and nWo – In the 1990s, Hogan’s heel turn in WCW as the face of the nWo cemented his legacy .
- WWE Hall of Fame – Inducted twice: solo in 2005 and with nWo in 2020 .
Circumstances of Death
Hogan recently underwent neck surgery and had been recovering well, according to his wife, Sky Daily. Despite appearing in good spirits, he unexpectedly collapsed at home . Authorities confirmed that there were no signs of foul play
Reactions & Tributes
- WWE: “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures … extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
- Ric Flair & family: Ric Flair, along with daughter Charlotte, fondly remembered Hogan’s unwavering friendship
- Vince McMahon & The Undertaker: Praised Hogan as “the greatest WWE superstar of ALL TIME.”
- Donald Trump: Called him a “MAGA all the way” friend and “electric” speaker at the GOP convention
Read Also: R. Kelly’s 31-Year Sentence: A Deep Dive into the Music Icon’s Fall from Grace
Legacy & Survivors
Hogan is survived by his wife Sky Daily, and children Brooke and Nick Hogan. He was previously married to Linda Hogan (1983–2009) and Jennifer McDaniel (2010–2021)
Why This Matters to Clearwater & Beyond
- Local hero – Clearwater Beach was Hogan’s home in his later years; his death marks a significant moment for the community.
- Global wrestling influence – Hogan helped transform professional wrestling into mainstream entertainment, setting the foundation for today’s billion-dollar industry
- Cultural resonance – His persona—bold, charismatic, patriotic—defined 1980s pop culture.
What Comes Next?
- Police investigation – Clearwater detectives are conducting a standard death investigation; no signs of foul play have been reported
- Healthcare note – This underscores the risks associated with cardiac events during post-surgery recovery.
Never Miss a Story: Join Our Newsletter
