WWE legend Hulk Hogan has passed away at 71. The famed wrestler took his final breath on Thursday morning at his Clearwater, Florida, residence after first responders were dispatched in response to a 911 call about a “cardiac arrest.” Witnesses confirmed that several police units and EMTs camped outside the property as Hogan was taken to the waiting ambulance with a stretcher. He was later confirmed dead, according to TMZ.
Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, broke onto the wrestling scene in the 1970s and soon became a household name by the 1980s and 90s. His theatrics in the ring and larger-than-life persona, emphasized by his signature blonde mustache, ushered in the wrestling boom that catapulted WWE into the limelight.
Even after stepping away from the ring, Hogan’s star power followed him into the entertainment industry, as he often embodied the quintessential American hero. His impressive acting credits include Rocky III, Suburban Commando, and No Holds Barred, among others.
Hulk Hogan Was Plagued With Coma Rumors Weeks Ago
The devastating news of the WWE hero’s death comes just weeks after his wife, Sky Daily, addressed coma rumors.
Speculations arose that the 71-year-old was on his “deathbed” after a local radio guy received intel that Hogan was in terrible shape, with loved ones saying their goodbyes. At the time, sources told TMZ that the rumors were false and Hogan had only been hospitalized following a successful neck surgery in May.
He was reportedly trying to fix all the health issues he had endured from decades in the fighting ring.
Sky, Hogan’s third wife, corroborated the report, insisting that her husband’s heart was “strong” and he was only recuperating from his surgery.
Fans worldwide have since begun pouring out heartfelt tributes to mourn the late entertainer. One fan penned, “As a kid (born in the 80s) Hulk Hogan was a legend, he gave us a hero to root for and every kid in the world seemingly was a ‘Hulkamaniac’ RIP brother.”
Another comment read, “He wasn’t just part of wrestling history — he was wrestling history. Legends never truly die. RIP Hulk.”
A third fan credited Hogan’s famous mantra, “say your prayers and eat your vitamins,” for changing his life. “Till this day I’m still eating my vitamins because of the Hulkster, rip Hulk Hogan,” the touching comment read.
Hulk Hogan is survived by his two children, Brooke and Nick, his wife, Sky, as well as two ex-wives, Linda Claridge and Jennifer McDaniel.
