Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, faced serious health challenges in the weeks prior to his death, suffering from a weak heart and other ailments. He was pronounced dead in a hospital less than 90 minutes after medical responders arrived at his Clearwater, Florida home in response to a cardiac arrest call.
In his final weeks, Hogan reportedly sought to reconnect with family, notably his daughter Brooke. An insider revealed that he experienced significant weight loss, fatigue, and shortness of breath, requiring oxygen to cope as his health declined. Amidst these circumstances, radio host Todd Clem raised concerns about Hogan’s health on his show, indicating that he had been unwell.
While there were speculations regarding Hogan’s deteriorating condition, representatives denied these claims, asserting that he had merely undergone neck surgery and was recuperating. Just months earlier, Hogan was seen in public, even meeting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for a photo opportunity at Clearwater Beach while enjoying his own beer brand.
In the days leading up to his passing, Hogan’s long-time manager Jimmy Hart reported that he was “doing phenomenal,” contradicting other reports about his health. Fellow wrestling legend Ric Flair paid tribute to Hogan, highlighting their close friendship and shared experiences in and out of the ring. Flair expressed his shock over Hogan’s death and recounted a time when Hogan supported him during a critical health crisis.
Hogan’s legacy in the wrestling world is monumental; he was a key figure in WWE history, headlining the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985 and facing several iconic opponents. Despite his fame, Hogan encountered significant controversies, including a three-year WWE ban due to a racially charged incident, for which he publicly apologised.
Hogan collected numerous accolades throughout his career, including multiple WWE championships and an induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, with reinstatement occurring in 2018 after being removed in 2015. His impact on professional wrestling is undeniable, having drawn millions to WWE events and featuring in their long-running live television programs.