Wrestler Hulk Hogan dies at 71
Legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan has died at 71 years old.
Medics were sighted at his Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday morning … with operators stating it was regarding a “cardiac arrest.”
A video of the scene outside Hogan’s residence shows responders desperately trying to save his life as he was transported to an ambulance.
In the clip, several paramedics appear to be conducting chest compressions as Hogan is wheeled to the emergency vehicle.
Cops said officials responded to the call at 9:51 AM … and Hogan was treated by Clearwater Fire & Rescue personnel before being taken to a nearby hospital.
He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
During a news conference Thursday afternoon, Clearwater Police Maj. Nate Burnside said Hulk died at 11:17 AM … before adding, there are “no signs of foul play or suspicious activity.”
READ ALSO: GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ knocks Will Smith as most followed actor on TikTok
Just a few weeks ago, Hogan’s wife, Sky, whom he married in September 2023, denied rumors he was in a coma … stating his heart was “strong” as he recovered from surgeries.
When TMZ broke the story last month that there were rumblings Hogan was on his “deathbed” the response at the time was that he was just dealing with the symptoms of a neck procedure he underwent in May.
Hulk, born Terry Gene Bollea, transformed professional wrestling into a family entertainment sport. Before Hulk, wrestling catered to a fairly narrow audience. Hulk’s theatrics in the ring were magnetic for children and their parents, and it supercharged the sport.
Hogan kickstarted a pop culture phenomenon with “Hulkamania” after defeating the Iron Sheik for the World Heavyweight Championship in 1984 — a craze that never went away, and his signature bandana and handlebar mustache were often copied by fans in crowds for decades.
In 1996, Hulk transformed himself from hero to villain … he created the NWO — New World Order — and became Hollywood Hulk Hogan. It propelled him and professional wrestling to even more fame.
Hogan had countless iconic performances … including a matchup against Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania X8 in 2002 and a face-off with Andre the Giant at WM 3 — and had memorable feuds with Ultimate Warrior and Randy Savage.
Hulk was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. He was removed in 2015 after a scandal erupted over racist comments while he was being secretly recorded during a sexual encounter. Gawker posted the clip and Hulk subsequently sued, winning the lawsuit.
Hulk was inducted a second time in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020 … this time as a member of NWO.
WWE released a statement on Hogan’s death … saying, “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.”
Hulk was the star of the 2024 Republican National Convention, when he set the room ablaze with theatrics.
Hulk had an amazingly successful movie career, beginning in 1982, with “Rocky III,” playing the iconic character Thunderlips. He also starred in “No Holds Barred,” “Suburban Commando” and “Mr. Nanny.”
And there’s more … Hogan starred in the hit VH1 reality show, “Hogan Knows Best,” with his family … Linda, Nick and Brooke.
