Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan found dead at 71 in Florida home — fans in shock, here's a look at his medical history

Hulk Hogan, the wrestling icon passed away after "suffering cardiac arrest at the age of 71." On Thursday morning, Hogan whose real name is Terry Gene Bollea, was discovered dead in his Clearwater, Florida, home.

First responders were called to the residence on Thursday morning after receiving a report of cardiac arrest. The WWE legend's death marks a significant loss for the wrestling community and his fans worldwide, as quoted in a report by TMZ. The beloved pop culture icon, Hogan leaves a legacy of in-ring charisma and larger-than-life.

Although his wife recently dismissed health rumors, Hulk Hogan had undergone surgeries earlier this year, as per several reports.

According to US media on Thursday, Hulk Hogan, the legendary figure of professional wrestling in the 1980s turned his skills in the ring into a career as an actor. According to NBC News, Hogan, was well-known for his towering 6'7" (two-meter) frame, bandana, and characteristic blond handlebar mustache.

ALSO READ: Hulk Hogan passes away at 71 after a medical emergency: Cause of death revealed

Hulk Hogan's long medical history

Hulk Hogan's career came at a price. In the last ten years alone, the wrestling legend has had an incredible 26 surgeries, ten of which were on his back. This was because of the harsh conditions in the ring during wrestling's golden age in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In addition to his spine, he has had surgery on his eyes, stomach, knees, hips, and shoulders.

In a frank 2023 essay for Men's Health, Hogan said that he had decided to stop taking painkillers altogether because of how much the injuries and medications had affected him, as quoted in a report.

Hogan's camp recently cleared up rumors that his health was getting worse online. They said that he had had spinal fusion and heart surgeries that were not life-threatening and that he was recovering well. Hogan wouldn't slow down, even though his body showed the scars of years in the ring.

He stayed busy by starting a new wrestling promotion called Real American Freestyle and a drink brand. For millions of fans, his broken body became a symbol of both punishment and pride, a sign of strength, determination, and a love for the sport that would last a lifetime, as per a report.

FAQs

What caused Hulk Hogan’s death?
He suffered a cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home. Emergency services were called and he was pronounced dead on scene

How old was Hogan and what was his real name?
Hogan was 71 years old. Born Terry Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953, he built a wrestling empire under the ring name Hulk Hogan.