Hulk Hogan death cause: WWE legend dies of heart attack amid secret cancer battle

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terrence Gene Bollea, died on July 24 in Clearwater, Florida, at the age of 71. The cause of death of the WWE icon has now been revealed. According to reports, he died due to acute myocardial infarction—commonly known as a heart attack. Medical records released later confirmed Hogan had also been battling leukemia and atrial fibrillation, conditions that had not been publicly disclosed during his lifetime.

Emergency services were dispatched to Hogan's Clearwater Beach home at 9:51 a.m. after reports of cardiac arrest. First responders attempted to revive him for 30 minutes before transporting him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Hulk Hogan Health Issues

Although rumors about Hogan’s declining health circulated as early as June, his representatives had downplayed concerns, telling E! News there was “no reason to panic” despite reports he was “on his deathbed.”


Jimmy Hart, Hogan’s longtime friend and former on-screen manager, was stunned by the sudden loss.
"I called him Wednesday night, and everything happened Thursday morning. It just hit so fast. We thought he was doing so well," Hart said tearfully.

Eric Bischoff, another close friend and former WWE executive, visited Hogan shortly before his death.
"He told me, 'I want to see you, but I’m kind of embarrassed because I’ve been pretty sick.' He looked weak, and even talking took effort, but he was still the same guy," Bischoff shared.

Hogan had spoken candidly about his health challenges in a 2023 interview on Logan Paul’s IMPAULSIVE podcast, revealing he’d undergone around 25 surgeries over the previous decade, including multiple procedures on his back, knees, hips, and shoulders.

His daughter Brooke Hogan, who had reportedly been estranged from him in recent years, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram: "When he left this earth, it felt like part of my spirit left with him. I’m deeply grateful for the love, tributes, and memorials from his fans and friends. His life was one worth celebrating — and always will be."

Despite his iconic status in wrestling, Hogan’s later years were marred by controversies. He faced backlash for a racist rant caught on leaked audio in 2015, which he later admitted was “unacceptable.” In 2012, a leaked sex tape involving Hogan sparked a high-profile legal battle with Gawker Media, which he sued for over $100 million with backing from billionaire Peter Thiel. The case was eventually settled for $31 million in 2016.

Hogan also drew criticism for a speech supporting Donald Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention.

He is survived by his wife, Sky Daily; ex-wives Linda Hogan and Jennifer McDaniel; and his two children, Brooke and Nick Hogan.