Hulk Hogan passed away aged 71 on Thursday, after an ambulance was called to his residence in Florida.
The wrestling icon passed away due to cardiac arrest, according to a police statement, following speculation that he was in ill health after a neck surgery in July.
Heartbreak
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Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hulk was a legend of WWE and became known for his flamboyance and trademark handlebar mustache.
He is survived by his wife, Sky Daily – who denied the rumors of his ill health in a recent Instagram post – and his children, Brooke, 37, and Nick, 34.
Hulk’s team announced his passing in a statement posted to Instagram, sharing that the world had “lost a legend”.
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“Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones,” it read. “At this time of grief, we ask that everyone please respect the privacy of his family and friends.”
“May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades. He will be missed, but never forgotten,” it concluded.
Touching tributes
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Tributes have been pouring in for the father of two, with Donald Trump sharing his condolences with Hulk’s devastated family.
“We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster. Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way – Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart,” he wrote on Truth Social.
“He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week. He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive.”
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“To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!” he concluded.
Vice President JD Vance shared insight into his final interaction with Hulk, writing: “Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid.”
“The last time I saw him, we promised we’d get beers together next time we saw each other. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace,” he wrote on social media.
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Actor Sylvester Stallone shared a photo from Rocky III, which featured his character Rocky Balboa facing off against Hulk’s Thunderlips in a fight.
“I had the pleasure of meeting this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26 years old,” the star wrote on Instagram. “He was absolutely wonderful, and his amazing skill made Rocky three incredibly special. My heart breaks. I think that he’s gone.”
Untold impact
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Endless Love star Brooke Shields took to social media to share a snap from her show Suddenly Susan, on which Hulk guest-starred in the ’90s.
“Rest easy, Hulk. This moment and his entire guest episode on ‘Suddenly Susan’ was a true highlight. Sending love to all of his loved ones today,” she said.
Model and actress Carol Alt, who co-starred with the wrestler on Thunder in Paradise, wrote a touching message saying goodbye to her old pal. “‘I cannot believe my co-star and friend Hulk Hogan, a.k.a. Terry Bollea passed away…I heard the news and spontaneously burst into tears,” she wrote on Instagram.
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“I know we all think that we are immortal. He was so big and so strong that he felt immortal to me. I send my love to his family: his wife, Linda, his children. He was always kind and sweet with me…Rest in peace.”
The official WWE X account shared a statement following his passing, praising his impact on the sport of wrestling.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the statement read. “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.”
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Legendary wrestler Vince McMahon also made sure to send his love, taking to X to share a sweet message to his old friend.
“The world lost a treasure today,” he began. “Hulk Hogan was the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME, someone who was loved and admired around the world. He was a trailblazer, the first performer who transitioned from being a wrestling star into a global phenomenon.”
“His grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled – and made him the consummate performer. He gave everything he had to the audience whom he appreciated, respected and loved,” Vince continued. “He leaves us with one of his favorite expressions, ‘Train, take your vitamins and say your prayers.’ Today, we pray for him.”
To learn more about Hulk’s family, watch below…
