Hulk Hogan (real name Terry Gene Bollea) passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida.
First responders were dispatched to his residence shortly before 10 a.m., where Hogan was transported to Morton Plant Hospital and later pronounced dead. Local authorities confirmed that no signs of foul play were detected.
A veteran of grueling athletic performance, Hogan underwent more than 20 major surgeries over the past decade, including multiple back, hip, knee, and eye procedures. In May 2025, he had a complex four-level cervical fusion to address chronic neck pain. Although his wife, yoga instructor Sky Daily, had publicly reassured fans that he was recovering and that “his heart is strong,” complications from the surgery likely contributed to the fatal cardiac arrest.
A Career That Shaped Wrestling
Born: August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia; began wrestling in 1977 in Florida
WWE Breakthrough: Signed with WWF in 1983; won first WWF Championship in 1984 against The Iron Sheik, launching the iconic "Hulkamania" era
WrestleMania Legend: Headlined multiple editions including WrestleMania III where he famously body‑slammed André the Giant to massive TV ratings
Championships & Honors: Six-time WWF/WWE Champion; winner of back-to-back Royal Rumbles in 1990 and 1991; twice inducted into WWE Hall of Fame (2005 solo, 2020 as part of nWo)
Hogan transcended wrestling, starring in films like Rocky III, No Holds Barred, and Mr. Nanny, as well as the reality show Hogan Knows Best and Thunder in Paradise . His legacy was not without controversy: in 2015, he was suspended by WWE after leaked racist remarks resurfaced. He later sued Gawker in a high-profile privacy lawsuit, winning a $140 million judgment that was later settled.
In April 2025, Hogan co-founded Real American Freestyle, a new wrestling promotion, and was slated to serve as commissioner for its inaugural event in Cleveland, Ohio, in August—though he passed before seeing it debut. Earlier, he launched Real American Beer in 2024. Hogan was also a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, making headlines after a fiery endorsement speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Tributes & Reactions
WWE Statement: “Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s… we extend our condolences to his family, friends, and fans.”
Vince McMahon: Called Hogan "the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME" and highlighted his role as a global phenomenon
Triple H: Called him "the archetype of what it meant to be a ‘Superstar’"—a global inspiration
Ric Flair & Charlotte: Shared emotional tributes recalling Hogan’s personal mentorship and friendship
Donald Trump & Family: Trump praised him as a "great friend" and "MAGA all the way" on Truth Social; Donald Trump Jr., Vice President JD Vance, and others also honored his legacy
Fans Worldwide: Social media exploded with memories and grief, with fans calling him the "absolute legend" and a formative figure in their childhoods
Personal Life & Survivors
Married three times: first to Linda Hogan (with whom he had daughter Brooke and son Nick), then Jennifer McDaniel, and finally Sky Daily (married in September 2023). Hogan was baptized in a Florida church in December 2023 .
Survivors: wife Sky Daily and their blended family—including Brooke and Nick Hogan—survive him. His daughter-in-law, Tana Lea, shared an emotional wedding remembrance and tribute tribute on Instagram.
Hulk Hogan’s legacy endures in his role as a trailblazer for making sports entertainment a globally recognized business. His catchphrases, charisma, and colorful persona defined WrestleMania's golden era and inspired countless future stars. While his life contained highs and lows—including controversies—he remains one of wrestling’s most iconic figures, forever etched in pop culture memory.
Detail Information
Name Terry Gene Bollea (Hulk Hogan)
Date of Death July 24, 2025
Cause Cardiac arrest following neck surgery
Age 71
Career Highlights 6× WWE Champion, Royal Rumble winner, twice Hall of Famer
Key Ventures Actor, reality TV, Real American Beer, Real American Freestyle promotion
Controversies Leaked racist remarks, Gawker lawsuit
Survived By Wife Sky Daily; children Brooke and Nick Hogan
Legacy Icon of wrestling and pop culture, mentor, global phenomenon
Hulk Hogan’s passing marks the end of an era. What resonated most with you about his life and legacy? Share your reflections in the comments below.
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