A week after the passing of Hulk Hogan, the exact cause of death has been disclosed. The wrestling icon, whose real name was Terry Bollea, passed away on July 24 in Clearwater, Florida, following a medical response to what appeared to be a cardiac arrest. He was 71 years old.
According to a cremation approval summary report from the Pinellas County Forensic Science Center obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Hogan died from acute myocardial infarction—commonly known as a heart attack. The cause of death was determined to be natural and was certified by his personal physician.
The report also revealed that Hogan had a documented history of health issues, including atrial fibrillation, a heart condition, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.
Hogan leaves behind a rich legacy as a preeminent television wrestler and a significant Hollywood figure beginning in the 1980s, having won the World Wrestling Entertainment championship six times during his illustrious career.
Standing at six feet seven inches tall and weighing 320 pounds in his prime, Hogan was a commanding presence in the ring. He would make his entrance in yellow trunks, boots, and a bandana, showcasing his muscular physique as he captivated audiences with his “Real American” theme music, often tearing off his singlet and engaging with the crowd.
After matches, he would further entertain fans by flexing his famous “24-inch python” arms, cupping his ear to the crowd, and frequently waving a large American flag—a spectacle that epitomized “Hulkamania.”
Beyond wrestling, Hogan had a notable film career, appearing in movies such as Rocky III (1982), No Holds Barred (1989), Suburban Commando (1991), Mr. Nanny (1993), and Santa With Muscles (1996), along with the 1994 syndicated series Thunder in Paradise. He also made cameo appearances as himself in various shows, including The A-Team, Baywatch, and films like Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990), Spy Hard (1996), and Muppets From Space (1999), in addition to lending his voice to episodes of Robot Chicken and American Dad!
