CLEARWATER, FLORIDA – July 24, 2025 – Terry Gene Bollea, known worldwide as professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, passed away at the age of 71 on Thursday morning at his home in Clearwater, Florida. The cause of death has not yet been officially confirmed.
Hogan, a towering figure in professional wrestling, rose to global fame in the 1980s and 1990s, becoming one of the most recognizable names in the sport. His larger-than-life persona, signature red-and-yellow attire, and “Hulkamania” catchphrase transformed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE, then WWF) into a pop culture phenomenon. Hogan headlined eight of the first nine WrestleMania events, including a historic match against Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III in 1987, which drew a record-breaking audience.
Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan began his wrestling career in 1977 before signing with the WWF in 1983. His charisma and physical presence helped propel wrestling into mainstream entertainment, making him a household name. Hogan won six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, and again in 2020 as part of the New World Order (nWo) faction. Beyond wrestling, he starred in films such as Rocky III (1982) and No Holds Barred (1989), and appeared in the reality TV show Hogan Knows Best.
In recent years, Hogan faced health challenges, undergoing multiple surgeries for back, neck, and other issues stemming from his wrestling career. In June 2025, his representatives dispelled rumors of critical illness following a neck fusion procedure, stating he was recovering well. His wife, Sky Daily, whom he married in 2023, had also recently denied claims of serious health complications.
The wrestling world and fans globally mourned Hogan’s passing, with tributes pouring in on social media. WWE issued a statement: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, and his two children, Brooke and Nick, from his first marriage to Linda Claridge. His legacy as a trailblazer in professional wrestling and a pop culture icon remains unmatched.
As investigations into the cause of death continue, no official statement from Hogan’s family has been released. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
