Wrestling icon and MAGA hero Hulk Hogan dies, aged 71
Source: WWE
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, whose larger-than-life persona made him one of the biggest stars of the sport, has died, aged 71.
US media report he suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida.
TMZ broke the news and said video from outside the house showed medics desperately trying to save Hogan’s life as he was transported to an ambulance.
In the clip, paramedics appear to be conducting chest compressions as Hogan is wheeled on a stretcher to the emergency vehicle, reports TMZ.
He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Clearwater Police Major Nate Burnside said Hulk died at 11:17am local time Thursday and there were “no signs of foul play or suspicious activity”.
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Just days earlier, the celebrity wrestler’s manager Jimmy Hart denied he was had health issues.
“Hulk is doing great, doing phenomenal! Last night at karaoke with Nick was absolutely fantastic, baby!!!” he posted to X on Tuesday.
US President Donald Trump was among the first to react publicly to the death of his “great friend”.
In recent years Hogan had dabbled in politics and gave a speech at the Republican National Convention last year.
“Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way – strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart,” Trump posted to Truth Social.
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“He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week.”
“He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive. To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”
Hulk Hogan and third wife Sky Daily. Photo: Instagram
Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan was a huge star of the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s who helped pioneer the niche sport of wrestling and turn it into a mainstream global spectacle.
One of the original superstar performers and a headline act, he wore a signature handlebar moustache and bandana, and was known for shredding his shirt off his rippled chest.
The cultural icon was a world champion 12 times and was twice inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Hogan also made movies and starred in his own reality TV show.
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He was married three times, most recently in 2023 to Sky Daily.
World Wrestling Entertainment said it was saddened that Hogan had passed away.
“One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans,” it said.
Hogan was not without controversy, including a racist rant that he later called “unacceptable”, and a leaked sex tape in 2012.
