Hulk Hogan’s Cause of Death Confirmed As Heart Attack After Undisclosed Health Battle
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
31 July 2025
WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan born Terrence Gene Bollea died at age 71 on July 24, 2025, in his Clearwater, Florida home after suffering an acute myocardial infarction, better known as a heart attack. Emergency medical teams were dispatched following a cardiac arrest call at 9:51 a.m. local time and transported him to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was later declared deceased after about 30 minutes of resuscitation efforts. The Pinellas County Forensic Science Center confirmed the cause of death and noted that his passing was ruled natural.
In revealing Hogan’s official cause of death, medical records also disclosed previously unreported chronic health issues: he had battled chronic lymphocytic leukemia and suffered from atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder that significantly increases cardiac risks. These underlying conditions weren’t public knowledge until now, shedding light on a period of health vulnerability that contrasted sharply with his typically larger-than-life persona.
Hogan’s death has drawn tributes from across the sports and entertainment world. Ric Flair, his longtime friend and fellow WWE icon, reached out multiple times in the month before Hogan’s passing, reaffirming their deep personal bond. WWE, in its statement confirming his death, described him as one of the era’s most recognizable figures whose charisma helped elevate the company to global prominence during the 1980s. Colleagues including Vince McMahon, John Cena, and even former U.S. President Donald Trump recalled his theatrical presence, pioneering spirit, and cultural impact within and beyond wrestling.
Hogan’s physical decline in his final years was well-documented. He reportedly underwent more than 25 surgeries over the previous decade, including procedures on his spine, knees, hips, and shoulders toll taken from years of wrestling and stunt performances. Despite this, speculation about his health remained largely contained until now.
Survived by his current wife Sky Daily Hogan, his children Brooke and Nick, and ex-wives Linda Hogan and Jennifer McDaniel, the WWE legend leaves behind a complex personal and professional legacy. His ex-wife Linda publicly expressed that she “never got over him,” as their daughter Brooke reportedly will not be attending the funeral a personal heartbreak amid public mourning.
Hogan’s cause of death revelation sparked renewed conversation around health transparency for public figures. Analysts noted that prolonged health battles especially when undisclosed can fan public concerns when sudden loss occurs. The timing also inspired reflection on celebrity privacy and the responsibility of fame to both entertain and inform.
In wrestling history, Hogan is frequently credited with ushering wrestling into the mainstream. He headlined multiple WrestleMania events, popularized catchphrases like “Hulkamania,” and was a two-time WWE Hall of Fame inductee once solo and once as part of the New World Order faction. Despite controversies over the years including legal battles, public statements and a high-profile Gawker lawsuit, his influence endured through fans and performers across generations.
The official medical release has given fans and historians closure after questions circulated around rumors of health crises leading up to his death. WWE and the Pinellas County Medical Examiner emphasized that no suspicious activity was involved and the death prompted only routine investigation procedures.
As funerals proceed across private and public memorials, tributes continue to pour in. Hogan’s former peers and fans remember him not just as a showman with unmistakable flair but as a franchise in himself on screen, in ring, and in pop culture at large.
Hulk Hogan’s official cause of death confirms what the wrestling world feared and frames the final chapter of a storied career with clarity. While his bravado and legend will live on symbolically, his passing reminds us of the fragility behind even the biggest icons
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