Hulk Hogan’s Cause of Death Confirmed After Sudden Passing at 71
The world of professional wrestling is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures, Hulk Hogan, who passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71.
Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan died at his home in Clearwater, Florida, following a sudden cardiac arrest.
Authorities confirmed that he was rushed to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
According to the Pinellas County Forensic Science Center, the official cause of death was an acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. Medical examiners also revealed that Hogan had been living with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a slow-developing form of blood cancer, as well as atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder.
These underlying conditions, though not publicly known during his life, are believed to have contributed to his fatal heart attack.
In the weeks leading up to his death, Hogan had been recovering from a major four-level neck surgery, known as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, which he underwent in May 2025. His wife, Sky Daily, had previously shared optimistic updates about his recovery and dismissed rumors suggesting that the former wrestler was in a coma or suffering from brain damage. She described his heart as “strong” and said he was alert and communicating prior to his sudden decline.
Hogan’s death shocked fans around the world. The WWE, where Hogan rose to superstardom in the 1980s and early 1990s, released a tribute calling him one of the greatest entertainers in the company’s history. Tributes poured in from fellow wrestlers and celebrities, including Ric Flair, John Cena, The Undertaker, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, all of whom credited Hogan with paving the way for future generations in wrestling and beyond.
Known for his charisma, towering presence, and unmatched influence during wrestling’s boom era, Hulk Hogan became a cultural phenomenon through his signature “Hulkamania” persona.
He headlined numerous WrestleMania events and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. Beyond wrestling, Hogan appeared in films, reality television, and other media, becoming a household name globally.
He is survived by his wife Sky Daily, his two children, Brooke and Nick Hogan, and his former spouses Linda Hogan and Jennifer McDaniel.
As fans continue to reflect on his decades-long legacy, Hogan’s death marks the end of an era in sports entertainment. His impact on wrestling, pop culture, and millions of fans remains indelible.
