Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, age 71, passed away on July 24, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home. Emergency crews arrived just before 10 a.m. and performed CPR for more than 30 minutes before transporting him to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities reported no foul play, with his death attributed to natural causes.
In the weeks leading up to his passing, Hogan faced mounting medical challenges after undergoing neck surgery in mid-May. He suffered complications including kidney failure, severe fluid retention, and advanced COPD, which made breathing increasingly difficult. As his condition worsened, he was discharged from the hospital and an in‑home medical setup was created to provide round‑the‑clock care. During his final days, he reportedly lost the ability to speak, a clear sign of his rapid decline.
Hogan had endured decades of physical strain from his wrestling career, which left him with long-term injuries. He had undergone more than 25 surgeries in the previous decade alone, including multiple back, hip, shoulder, and knee procedures. He often spoke candidly about the toll of wrestling on his body, sharing that early wrestling rings were poorly cushioned and that the constant impact caused lasting damage. Despite the pain, he expressed no regrets, proud of the legacy he built in sports entertainment.
His wife, Sky Daily, had publicly dismissed rumors in the days prior to his death that Hogan was in a coma or had suffered oxygen deprivation. She stated that his heart remained strong and that they believed he was recovering. His sudden cardiac arrest therefore came as a shock to his family, despite his long history of health issues.
Hogan’s ex‑wife, Linda Hogan, shared her grief publicly, describing his death as “a big surprise” and admitting she was “melting down” as she reflected on their decades together and the two children they shared, Brooke and Nick. Brooke Hogan and her husband, Steven Oleksy, chose to mourn privately, condemning the spread of false AI-generated videos pretending to speak on their behalf.
The wrestling world responded with an outpouring of tributes. Icons like Ric Flair, Triple H, and John Cena shared heartfelt memories, praising Hogan’s influence in transforming professional wrestling into a mainstream global phenomenon. WWE honored his legacy, noting that his charisma, larger‑than‑life persona, and “Hulkamania” movement inspired generations of fans and performers alike.
Though his final months were marked by illness, Hogan’s enduring image remains that of vitality, strength, and showmanship. His career spanned triumphs, controversies, and reinventions, yet his impact on professional wrestling is undeniable. Fans and peers alike remember him as a true legend who left a lasting imprint both in the ring and in pop culture.
Image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license and was created by Megan Elice Meadows.
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