TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has died at age 71, according to multiple reports.
TMZ was first to report on Hogan’s death Thursday morning, saying emergency medical crews were seen outside of his Clearwater, Florida, home.
Police told Nexstar’s WFLA that officers were called to the home where Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, suffered a cardiac arrest just before 10 a.m. He was taken to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Hogan’s manager confirmed the wrestling legend’s death to the Los Angeles NBC affiliate. The WWE also issued a statement Thursday, saying it was “saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.”
“One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s,” the statement continued. “WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Fellow WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair said Thursday he was “absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of my close friend.”
“Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business,” he wrote on X. “An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father! Our friendship has meant the world to me. He was always there for me even when I didn’t ask for him to be. He was one of the first to visit me when I was in the hospital with a 2% chance of living, and he prayed by my bedside. Hulk also lent me money when Reid was sick. Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you! Rest in peace my friend!”
Hogan was regarded as one of the most popular professional wrestlers of all time after rocketing to stardom with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in the 1980s.
He made occasional non-wrestling appearances on WWE programming over the past few years, most recently to promote his Real American Beer company.
Hogan grew up in Tampa and lived in the nearby city of Clearwater at the time of his death.
