Hulk Hogan Died of Heart Attack — Secret Cancer Battle Revealed
© Kathy Hutchins / Vecteezy
Wrestling icon Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea passed away on July 24, 2025, at his home in Clearwater, Florida, at the age of 71.
The official cause of death was confirmed as an acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. Hogan suffered cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at Morton Plant Hospital.
Emergency responders attempted to revive him for approximately 30 minutes before declaring his passing.
Undisclosed Health Battles
After his death, medical documents revealed Hogan had been privately battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)—a slow-progressing form of blood cancer—and atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder.
These conditions were not previously known to the public, though Hogan had reportedly undergone around 25 surgeries over the past decade, including procedures on his back, hips, knees, and shoulders.
Despite visible frailty in recent months and rumors about his health, neither Hogan nor his representatives had disclosed the full extent of his medical struggles.
Legacy and Final Farewells
Sky Daily, Hogan’s wife since 2023, shared an emotional tribute, saying she believed his health would improve and that his death felt sudden and devastating. She described him as her partner and heart, not just a global icon.
Hogan is survived by his two children, Brooke and Nick, as well as ex-wives Linda Hogan and Jennifer McDaniel. WWE responded to his death with heartfelt condolences, noting that Hogan helped transform wrestling into a worldwide phenomenon.

Tributes poured in from industry legends like Ric Flair, John Cena, longtime collaborator Jimmy Hart, and former WWE booker Eric Bischoff.
Florida Honors a Champion
On August 1, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared “Hulk Hogan Day” and ordered flags flown at half-staff in Pinellas County, where Hogan lived for over a decade. The declaration celebrated Hogan’s impact on wrestling and his identity as a “true Floridian.”
Why This Matters
Hogan’s death sparked awareness of broader health risks faced by athletes in high-impact sports.
Moreover, reports show rising cases of cardiac arrest among bodybuilders and wrestlers, often linked to years of intense physical strain and performance-enhancing substances.
This tragedy highlights the hidden toll of physical fame and underscores the importance of transparency regarding public figures’ health.
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