Tributes have poured in for legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan, who passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71. Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan was instrumental in bringing professional wrestling into the mainstream during the 1980s, and his impact on the sport is undeniable.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/hulk-hogan-1-2000-a1f7b9ee498c4072bbd91ba9decc731a.jpg)
Following his death, the Clearwater Police Department in Florida announced that their investigation has reached a close, categorising it as an attended natural death. On June 5, the department issued a statement confirming that the circumstances surrounding Hogan’s passing have been thoroughly reviewed and classified appropriately.
The department released a comprehensive report that included bodycam footage and interview transcripts from the scene of Hogan’s death, revealing insights into the final moments of the wrestling icon’s life. An officer responded to a call regarding a potential medical emergency at his Clearwater residence around 10:21 a.m. on that fateful day. Although attempts were made to resuscitate him, Hogan was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Morgan Plant Hospital at 11:17 a.m.
The police report stated that Hogan’s death was attributed to “compelling natural disease” and noted the absence of any contributing traumatic or toxicological factors. Clearwater Police asserted that their investigation found no evidence suggesting criminal activity related to his demise. A detailed examination, including medical records, surveillance footage, and visual inspection of Hogan’s body, concluded that his death was indeed natural, with the case now closed.
Sky Daily, Hogan’s wife at the time of his passing, was home at the time first responders arrived. Transcripts from the report included statements from Justin McCamey, an occupational therapist present during the incident, indicating that Hogan had been grappling with significant health issues in the years preceding his death. He underwent numerous surgeries on his knees, hips, and back—reports mention he had experienced between 20 to 30 various operations over the years.
Hogan burst onto the wrestling scene in 1979, eventually earning two inductions into the WWE Hall of Fame. His larger-than-life persona, complete with signature catchphrases and charismatic performances, made him one of the most recognisable figures in pop culture. Following his retirement from wrestling in 2012 after a remarkable 35-year career, Hogan also made a mark on reality television. From 2005 to 2007, he starred in the VH1 series “Hogan Knows Best,” which featured his family life, capturing the public’s imagination further.
The wrestling community was quick to honour Hogan’s legacy after news of his passing broke. WWE expressed its sorrow in a public statement, reflecting on Hogan’s crucial role in elevating the organisation to international acclaim in the 1980s. They extended their condolences to his family, friends, and fans, acknowledging his substantial contributions to the wrestling world.
Despite his illustrious career, Hogan’s life was not without controversy. His personal life faced scrutiny, particularly after his split from first wife Linda, once citing his “infidelities” as the reason for their divorce. His relationships and scandals, which also included steroid use and a film-related scandal, cast a shadow over his reputation as a wrestling hero. These controversies led to WWE suspending his contract for a period before reinstating him in their Hall of Fame.
Despite these ups and downs, Hogan remained a beloved figure to many wrestling fans. His tagline as the “Babe Ruth of wrestling” underscored his influence in the sport, and he continued to be a symbol of wrestling culture for decades.
Always a controversial yet captivating character, Hogan is survived by his third wife, Sky Daily, and his two children, who will carry his legacy forward in their own ways. As fans and fellow wrestlers continue to celebrate his life and career, the impact of Hulk Hogan will undoubtedly endure within the annals of professional wrestling history.