Hulk Hogan dies at 71: Sports world mourns the passing of wrestling legend

Dan Treacy

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Hulk Hogan dies at 71: Sports world mourns the passing of wrestling legend image

The wrestling world is mourning the death of a legend who transcended the WWE and became a part of American culture.

Hulk Hogan died in Florida early Thursday at the age of 71, TMZ reported. 

Born Terry Bollea, Hogan joined the WWE (then named the WWF) in 1983 and quickly became one of the organization's most popular personas. Known for his signature mustache and bandana, Hogan's "Real American" brand exploded and made him one of the most recognizable faces of wrestling. 

Here is what we know about Hogan's death and the tributes as they pour in.

MORE: Hulk Hogan's most memorable quotes in and outside the ring

Hulk Hogan cause of death

Hogan died from an acute myocardial infarction, or heart attack, according to records from the Pinellas County Forensic Science Center.

Records also show that Hogan had a history of atrial fibrillation and had been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukimia (CLL).

Hogan was stretchered out of his home in Clearwater, Fla., on Thursday, July 24, after a call came in from the residence about a possible cardiac arrest, according to TMZ.

"We're told a slew of police cars and EMTs were parked outside Hogan's home," TMZ reported, with no further details available.

Clearwater police said Thursday that emergency services were called to Hogan's home for a serious medical issue just before 10 a.m. ET, and he died at a local hospital at 11:17 a.m. ET. 

Hogan, who made several public appearances late last year — including a boisterous speech at the Republican National Convention — had not been seen as often in 2025 as rumors circulated regarding his health. He underwent a procedure on his neck in May, TMZ reported, but Hogan's wife denied rumors he was facing serious health problems or near death in the spring. 

MORE: Breaking down The Hulkster's greatest pro wrestling rivalries and opponents

Hulk Hogan tributes

Ric Flair was among the early tributes to Hogan's life, calling the superstar "an incredible athlete, talent, friend and father."

The WWE issued a statement on Thursday confirming Hogan's death and calling him "one of pop culture's most recognizable figures."

Donald Trump Jr., the son of president Donald Trump, shared a photo of himself and Hogan at the 2024 Republican National Convention.

Wrestling reporter Dave Meltzer called Hogan "probably the most famous pro wrestler who ever lived."

"A part of America died today," Barstool founder Dave Portnoy said, calling Hogan "a true 1 of 1 American icon."

President Trump reacted to the news on Thursday, calling the wrestling star "strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart."

Vice President J.D. Vance called Hogan a "great American icon" after the news.

Triple H posted a lengthy message to social media, saying Hogan was "simply put, iconic."

WWE co-founder Vince McMahon shared a statement mourning Hogan's death, calling the wrestler a "trailblazer" whose "grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled." 

Country singer Lee Greenwood posted photos of himself with Hogan and called the wrestler's death a "heartbreaking loss."

MORE: Hulk Hogan's most memorable moments in pop culture outside pro wrestling

Dan Treacy

Dan Treacy is a content producer for Sporting News, joining in 2022 after graduating from Boston University. He founded @allsportsnews on Instagram in 2012 and has written for Lineups and Yardbarker.