Clearwater: Professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, died at age 71 in the US state of Florida, according to authorities. The Clearwater Police Department said officers and fire personnel responded to a medical emergency involving Hogan in the morning. He was pronounced dead after being transported to a nearby hospital.

According to Anadolu Agency, there has been no official reason for his death, however, American entertainment news outlet TMZ reported it was due to cardiac arrest. World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) offered condolences on X, noting Hogan's significant impact on the sport. "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," they stated.

US President Donald Trump paid tribute to Hogan, highlighting their friendship and Hogan's political support. "Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way - Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart," Trump wrote on Truth Social. Hogan had appeared at a Trump rally at Madison Square Garden last October, performing his iconic shirt-ripping act to reveal a Trump shirt.

Hogan's career was marked by several milestones. He became one of the most recognizable figures in pop culture, significantly contributing to WWE's global recognition in the 1980s with his "Hulkamania" phenomenon. His six WWE championship reigns included a historic 1,474-day title run.

Hogan's legendary moments included slamming Andre the Giant at WrestleMania 3 and his surprising heel turn by joining the New World Order (nWo) in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1996. His 1988 match against Andre the Giant drew 33 million viewers, an American television wrestling viewership record.

Hogan main-evented WrestleMania eight times, won two Royal Rumble matches, and held multiple World Heavyweight Championships. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice, individually in 2005 and as an nWo member in 2020.