Hulk Hogan’s Official Cause of Death at 71 Revealed — Fans Around the World in Mourning
Legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, has died at age 71. The official cause of death was revealed Thursday, shedding light on the health battles the icon faced in his final years.
Cause of Death: Heart Attack and Underlying Health Struggles
Hogan passed away on July 24 in Florida. According to a cremation approval report obtained by Page Six, the official cause of death was acute myocardial infarction , commonly known as a heart attack. This occurs when blood flow to the heart is suddenly blocked, depriving the heart muscle of oxygen.
Further details from the report revealed that Hogan had been privately battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) , a cancer affecting white blood cells called lymphocytes. Additionally, he had been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation , a condition marked by a fast and irregular heartbeat, which can increase the risk of heart complications.
The Pinellas County Forensic Science Center confirmed that Hogan’s death was due to natural causes. The medical examiner’s office also received a request for cremation approval, though the timing of the cremation has not been publicly disclosed.
Final Days: Weakness, Reflection, and Friendship
In the days leading up to his passing, Hogan reportedly felt “weak” and “embarrassed” about his declining health, according to longtime friend and wrestling executive Eric Bischoff. On his podcast, *83 Weeks with Eric Bischoff*, Bischoff recounted his last meeting with the wrestling legend:
“I could tell he was weak. He sounded tired. [Hogan] said, ‘I really want to see you, but I’m kind of embarrassed for you to see me this way because I’ve been pretty sick.’ When I look at you, I don’t see the same thing you see when you look in the mirror, so f * that, I’ll be down Monday.”
Despite his health struggles, Hogan’s trademark personality and spirit still shone through in their conversations. Bischoff added, “It was work for him to have a conversation but he was the same guy.”
Family Reflections: Brooke Hogan Shares Emotional Tribute
Hogan’s daughter, Brooke Hogan, took to Instagram earlier this week to pay tribute to her father and reflect on their complex relationship. The 37-year-old star wrote:
“When he left this earth, it felt like part of my spirit left with him. I felt it before the news even reached us. I know he’s at peace now, out of pain, and in a place as beautiful as he imagined. He used to speak about this moment with such wonder and hope. Like meeting God was the greatest championship he’d ever have.”
Brooke also addressed rumors of estrangement, explaining that she and her husband, Steven Olesky, moved closer to Hogan as his health declined. She described how their relationship became strained as Hogan underwent numerous surgeries and began to withdraw:
“We had been through almost 25 surgeries together, and then all of a sudden he didn’t want me at surgeries… everything started getting covered in a thick veil. It was like there was a force field around him that I couldn’t get through.”
Despite these challenges, Brooke emphasized her support for her father in his final days, recalling private phone calls where Hogan confided in her about personal and business issues.
Remembering a Wrestling Legend
Hulk Hogan’s passing marks the end of an era for professional wrestling and pop culture. Known for his charisma, larger-than-life persona, and decades-long influence in the ring, Hogan’s legacy will live on in the hearts of fans worldwide.
As his family, friends, and fans mourn his loss, they also celebrate the resilience and spirit that made him a true champion—both in and out of the ring.
