Legendary professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, died of a heart attack, authorities confirmed. The official cause of death was cited as “acute myocardial infarction,” according to a cremation approval summary report from the medical examiner’s office in Pinellas County, Florida, shared with CNN on Thursday.
The medical examiner’s office further confirmed that Bollea, 71, had a history of an irregular heartbeat and blood cancer, both of which were identified as contributing factors to his passing. His manner of death was ruled as “natural.” The office clarified in an email to CNN that no autopsy or external examination was performed, and his death was certified by his primary care physician.
Hogan passed away last week in Florida after police and fire personnel responded to his home following a report of an individual in cardiac arrest. He was transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead after being treated by fire and rescue crews. Police later stated in a news conference that there were no signs of suspicious activity surrounding his death, and an investigation remains ongoing.
The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) expressed its sorrow in a statement posted on X at the time: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. 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.”
One of the most widely recognized and influential wrestling stars of all time, Hogan played a pivotal role in the WWE’s rise to global prominence. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Hogan transcended the wrestling world, becoming a household name and mainstream celebrity. He starred in movies and gained international recognition for his larger-than-life persona during wrestling’s “golden era.” His iconic rivalries with fellow professional wrestlers like “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and “Macho Man” Randy Savage were instrumental in transforming professional wrestling into a multi-billion-dollar industry.
Throughout his illustrious career, Hogan was a part of several major wrestling organizations, including the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and Total Nonstop Action (TNA).