American wrestling star Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71.
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was a leading figure in wrestling during the 1980s and won six WWE Championships.
He faced names including Andre the Giant and Randy Savage and enjoyed a career in the media, featuring in films and television shows.
Clearwater police department in Florida said officers and fire crews responded to a “medical-related call” shortly before 10am on Thursday.
The WWE star was found “experiencing a serious medical-related issue” in a house on Eldorado Avenue and he was taken to Morton Plant Hospital.
Hogan died at 11.17am in hospital and there are “no signs of foul play or suspicious activity”, Major Nate Burnside said.
His death was confirmed by the WWE, who posted a statement on X saying: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.
“One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.
“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Hogan headlined the first Wrestlemania in 1985 and faced The Rock, aka Dwayne Johnson, during the event in 2002. His last WWE match was against Randy Orton at SummerSlam in 2006.
Hogan’s friend and fellow former professional wrestler Ric Flair wrote on X: “I am absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of my close friend @HulkHogan! Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business.
“An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father!”
The legendary Hulk Hogan ❤️💛 pic.twitter.com/3daG7IDznf
— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2025
Hulkamania was coined in the mid-1980s, as he pushed professional wrestling into the mainstream.
He was known for his large muscles, with arms he called his 24-inch pythons, along with his bright blond hair and handlebar moustache.
Triple H said: “WWE would not be where it is today without the larger-than-life characters that compete in the ring… and few, if any, loomed larger than Terry ‘Hulk Hogan’ Bollea.”
The former professional wrestler, whose real name is Paul Michael Levesque, described Hogan as “the archetype of what it meant to be a ‘Superstar’ – a global sensation that inspired millions to work hard at whatever it was they wanted to accomplish”.
His look “made him recognisable to fans around the world” and “was simply put, iconic”, said the now-chief content officer at WWE.
Triple H, 55, added: “As a Real American or the leader of one of the industry’s biggest factions, he transcended and elevated the entire business to heights never before seen – in every country and on every continent.
WWE would not be where it is today without the larger-than-life characters that compete in the ring … and few, if any, loomed larger than Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea.
— Triple H (@TripleH) July 24, 2025
He was the archetype of what it meant to be a “Superstar” - a global sensation that inspired millions to work… pic.twitter.com/wXpgFvAhHA
“There was no one like The Hulkster and there very well may never be another. My family sends their condolences to his family, friends, and fans.”
Major Burnside said: “Our personnel is providing the family with the necessary resources. I’m strongly encouraging everyone to keep the family in their thoughts and respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
Police are “conducting a death investigation, which is standard in these types of cases”, he added.
