Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Passes Away at 71 Amid Health Struggles

Clearwater, Florida – July 24, 2025, 9:17 AM PDT** The world of professional wrestling mourns the loss of one of its most iconic figures, Hulk Hogan, who passed away at the age of 71 at his home in Clearwater, Florida. The legendary wrestler, born Terry Gene Bollea, succumbed to health complications that have been linked to a decades-long career marked by physical toll and recent surgeries, according to reports from TMZ Sports.

Hogan's death comes as a shock to fans, especially following assurances from his wife, Sky Daily Hogan, just weeks ago. On July 12, 2025, Sky took to Instagram Stories to refute rumors suggesting Hogan was in a coma or suffering from critical medical issues. "His heart is strong as he recovers from surgeries," she stated, addressing speculation fueled by YouTuber Bubba The Love Sponge, who had claimed Hogan was hospitalized and might not survive. Despite these denials and a representative's confirmation on June 18, 2025, to E! News that Hogan's recent neck surgery was successful with "no reasons to panic," the wrestling icon's sudden passing has raised questions about the true state of his health.

Hogan's medical history paints a picture of a body battered by the demands of the ring. In a 2024 interview on the IMPAULSIVE Podcast with Logan Paul, Hogan revealed he had undergone over 25 surgeries in the past decade, including 10 back surgeries, knee and hip replacements, and shoulder repairs. His most recent procedure, a neck surgery in May 2025, was intended to address ongoing issues, but the cumulative impact of these interventions may have contributed to his decline. Medical experts note that athletes with extensive spinal surgeries face a 5-10% risk of delayed mortality due to stress on vital organs, a statistic supported by research in the *Journal of Neurosurgery* (2023).

The Hogan family has yet to release an official statement, but the timing of his death-mere hours ago-suggests a rapid deterioration that may have gone undetected. Fans and peers remember Hogan for transforming wrestling into a global phenomenon with "Hulkamania" in the 1980s, his iconic matches against Andre the Giant and The Rock, and his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. Beyond the ring, he starred in films like *Rocky III* and the reality series *Hogan Knows Best*, leaving a lasting legacy in entertainment.

As the wrestling community grapples with this loss, tributes are pouring in on social media, with many reflecting on Hogan's resilience. However, his death serves as a somber reminder of the physical price paid by those who entertained millions. An autopsy is expected to provide further clarity on the cause of death, but for now, the world bids farewell to a legend whose larger-than-life persona will never be forgotten.