(NewsNation) — Hulk Hogan, legendary World Wrestling Entertainment wrestler and Hall of Famer, has died at the age of 71, WWE has confirmed.
The Clearwater, Fla., Fire Department said that first responders responded to a medical call just before 10 a.m. local time for reports of a cardiac arrest. Hogan, born Terry Bollea, was treated by medical and fire crews before being taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“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 said in a statement issued by the company. “WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.“
Other tributes were posted to social media by fellow WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair, who wrote on X that he is “absolutely shocked” to hear about Hogan’s death.
“Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business,” Flair wrote. “An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn’t Ask For Him To Be.
“He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!”
TMZ indicated that Hogan’s wife, Sky, previously denied rumors that her husband was in a coma and that his heart was “strong” after a recent surgery.
Hogan won the WWE heavyweight championship six times during his pro wrestling career and gained popularity during the 1980s. The 6-foot-7, 320-pound wrestler became infamous for his bright yellow wrestling tights and his “Real American” theme music.
He was also known for ripping his T-shirt after entering the ring and cupping his hand to his ear to address cheering fans. He also became known for his body-flexing and boasting “24-inch pythons” about his bulging biceps. His fans became known as “Hulkamanics,” and the wrestler was mostly known as what wrestling insiders call a “baby face”, referring to characters as good guys.
Cleawater city officials are expected to hold a news briefing on Thursday afternoon.
This is a developing story. NewsNation will update the story as more information becomes available.
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