Terry Gene Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, a towering figure in professional wrestling who helped transform the sport into a global entertainment juggernaut during the 1980s, died Thursday, July 24, 2025, at his home in Clearwater, Florida. He was 71. The cause of death was reported as cardiac arrest, according to emergency responders who were called to the scene early Thursday morning.
Hogan’s death was confirmed by multiple sources, including family statements to media outlets, marking the end of a career that spanned nearly five decades and left an indelible mark on sports entertainment. Medics responded to a cardiac arrest call at his residence, where he was transported to a hospital but could not be revived. His wife, Sky Daily, whom he married in 2023, had recently dismissed rumors of his declining health, noting his heart remained strong following neck surgery in May.
Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in Port Tampa, Florida, Bollea rose to fame under the ring name Hulk Hogan after joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1979. His larger-than-life persona—complete with a blond mustache, bandanas, and signature moves like the leg drop—ignited “Hulkamania,” a cultural phenomenon that drew millions of fans and headlined eight of the first nine WrestleMania events. Hogan won six WWF Championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice, in 2005 and 2020 as part of the New World Order (nWo) faction.
Hogan’s influence extended beyond the ring. He starred in films such as Rocky III (1982) as Thunderlips and No Holds Barred (1989), and his reality series Hogan Knows Best (2005-2007) showcased his family life with ex-wife Linda Hogan and children Brooke and Nick. Despite personal controversies, including a 2015 suspension from WWE over racist remarks that led to a $140 million lawsuit victory against Gawker, Hogan remained a polarizing yet enduring figure. His recent ventures included launching Real American Beer and supporting Donald Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Hogan’s health had been a topic of speculation, with over 25 surgeries in the past decade addressing injuries from his wrestling career, including back, knee, and hip replacements. Yet, he continued public appearances, defying rumors of frailty. His final Instagram post, promoting Real American Beer, drew an outpouring of tributes after news of his death broke.
Survivors include his wife Sky, daughter Brooke, son Nick, and former spouses Linda Hogan (1983-2009) and Jennifer McDaniel (2010-2021). Funeral arrangements are pending, with WWE expected to honor his legacy in upcoming events. Hogan’s passing closes a chapter on a career that redefined wrestling, leaving fans and peers to reflect on a legacy both celebrated and debated.