Hulk Hogan, wrestling icon who took WWE global, dead at 71

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(KRON) — Superstar wrestler Hulk Hogan has died at 71 years old, the WWE confirmed Thursday. The news was initially reported by TMZ. Medical personnel were dispatched to the WWE legend’s home in Clearwater, Florida Thursday morning, per the Associated Press.

Hogan’s death was also confirmed by the Clearwater Fire Department.

Hogan was pronounced dead at the hospital, according to a police statement on Facebook. The wrestler’s cause of death was a cardiac arrest.

Rumors have been circulating around Hogan’s health over the past few weeks. His wife recently denied rumors that he was in a coma. TMZ had previously reported on rumors that Hogan was on his “deathbed,” but later reports indicated he was just dealing with symptoms of a neck procedure.

Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was perhaps the biggest star in WWE’s long history. He was the main draw for the first WrestleMania in 1985 and was a fixture for years, facing everyone from Andre The Giant and Randy Savage to The Rock and even company chairman Vince McMahon.

He won at least six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

Hogan was also a celebrity outside the wrestling world, appearing in numerous movies and television shows, including a reality show about his life on VH1, “Hogan Knows Best.”

WWE released the following statement:

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.

WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.

In recent years, Hogan had been a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump. Notably, he successfully sued Gawker Media for $115 million after the outlet posted video of him having sex with his former best friend’s wife.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.