Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan Passes Away at 71

Professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, died at the age of 71 on Thursday, his manager confirmed to NBC Los Angeles. The iconic figure, known for his larger-than-life persona, passed away at his home in Clearwater, Florida, surrounded by family. According to a media release from the city, Clearwater Fire and Rescue responded to a call at Hogan’s residence at 9:51 a.m. for a reported cardiac arrest, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Hogan rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s, becoming one of the most prominent figures in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) history. His signature look blond hair, deep tan, horseshoe mustache, and shirt-ripping entrances made him a cultural phenomenon. He headlined the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985 and was a regular at the event, competing against notable opponents like Andre The Giant, Randy Savage, The Rock, and WWE chairman Vince McMahon.

In 2015, World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. terminated its relationship with Hogan after an audio surfaced in which he used racial slurs to describe a man his daughter was dating. The organization removed him from its website and Hall of Fame. Hogan issued a public apology, describing the incident as the most challenging ordeal of his career. In 2018, after multiple apologies and volunteer work with youth to address his mistake, WWE reinstated him.

Hogan leaves behind his wife, Sky Daily, whom he married in 2023, and two children, Brooke Hogan, 37, and Nick Hogan, 34, from his first marriage to Linda Bollea. His second marriage to Jennifer McDaniel ended in divorce in 2021 after 11 years. Brooke Hogan recently commented publicly on their family dynamics.

Former President Donald Trump paid tribute to Hogan on Truth Social, calling him a “great friend” and praising his speech at the Republican National Convention as a highlight. Trump noted Hogan’s global influence and expressed condolences to his family. The Associated Press contributed to this report.