Hulk Hogan’s Cause of Death Revealed as Heart Attack Following Long-Term Health Battles
The world of professional wrestling and pop culture is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures. Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, passed away on July 24 at the age of 71 in Clearwater, Florida. The cause of death, according to the Pinellas County Medical Examiner, was an acute myocardial infarction — a heart attack — brought on by pre-existing medical conditions.
Emergency responders were dispatched to Hogan’s Clearwater home at 9:51 a.m. for a reported cardiac arrest. Despite their efforts to revive him and subsequent transport to a local hospital, Hogan was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Hogan’s death shocked fans across the globe, with tributes pouring in from fellow wrestlers, celebrities, and millions of admirers who grew up watching him dominate the wrestling ring and pop culture scene for more than four decades. The WWE released a statement mourning the passing of their Hall of Famer:
“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.”
A statement posted to Hogan’s official social media channels read:
“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend. Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones. 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.”
What Led to Hulk Hogan’s Heart Attack?
The cremation approval summary, signed by Associate Medical Examiner Wayne Kurz, confirmed that Hogan’s heart attack was caused by a combination of atrial fibrillation and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) — both of which were noted in his medical history.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a condition characterized by an irregular and often rapid heartbeat. It can lead to complications such as blood clots, heart failure, and strokes. When unmanaged, AFib significantly increases the risk of acute cardiac events like the one that ultimately took Hogan’s life.
Additionally, chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a type of blood and bone marrow cancer that affects white blood cells. CLL is generally a slower-progressing form of leukemia and is more common in older adults. While some patients live with it for years without needing treatment, it can complicate other underlying conditions — especially those involving the cardiovascular system.
Though fans were largely unaware of the full extent of Hogan’s health struggles, it is now clear that the wrestling legend had been quietly dealing with multiple serious medical conditions in recent years. He had undergone multiple back surgeries, and reports of heart procedures had circulated, though Hogan remained characteristically upbeat and continued to make public appearances.
A Final Goodbye to a Cultural Icon
Hulk Hogan leaves behind his wife, Sky Daily, and two children, Brooke and Nick, from his previous marriage. He also leaves behind a towering legacy — both in the wrestling ring and in mainstream culture. With his handlebar mustache, red-and-yellow gear, and booming catchphrases, Hogan was a household name throughout the 1980s and ‘90s. He helped bring wrestling to global prominence and was instrumental in transforming WWE into a global entertainment powerhouse.
While his career was not without controversy, there’s no denying the immense cultural footprint Hogan left behind. For many fans, he was a childhood hero. For others, a symbol of strength, charisma, and spectacle.
Now, as the wrestling world says goodbye, fans remember not just the showman, but the man — one who battled both in and out of the ring, and whose legacy will live on in arenas, hearts, and memories.
Rest in peace, Hulk Hogan. The world may have lost a legend, but your legacy will never be pinned down.