The last photos of Hulk Hogan before he passed away

Hulk Hogan, the wrestling star turned vocal supporter of Donald Trump, has died at the age of 71, his manager confirmed.

Chris Volo told NBC Los Angeles that Hogan, given name Terry Gene Bollea, suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, and died surrounded by his family.

Rumors about Hogan’s health have swirled for weeks, after he reportedly was hospitalized. Just last week, his wife, Sky, denied rumors that he was in a coma, stating that his heart was “strong” after multiple surgeries.

Instantly recognizable from his blonde horseshoe mustache and bandanas, Hogan was one of the most popular wrestling stars of the 1980s and considered one of the sport’s greatest of all time.

Known for his ring theatrics and sizable physique – in his prime, Hogan clocked in at 6ft 7in and weighed 320lbs – he helped transform professional wrestling into home entertainment, primarily through his partnership with Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and the performance routine known as Hulkamania.

The entertainment company also confirmed Hogan’s death and mourned its former star in a statement on X: “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.”

“The Hulkster” headlined WrestleMania, WWE’s signature event, eight times, including a seminal showdown in 1987 with his 520lb mentor Andre the Giant at Michigan’s Pontiac Silverdome, before a then record crowd of 93,173. Hogan won the WWE championship six times during his career.

The Guardian has reached out to Hogan’s reps for comment.

Tributes began pouring in on social media in the hours after his death, including from Maga political figures with whom he campaigned in 2024.

“We all have fond memories of Hulk Hogan,” wrote Mike Johnson, the Republican speaker of the House, on X, alongside two photos – one with Hogan, and the other of Hogan arm-wrestling Trump.

“From my childhood in the ‘80s, to campaigning with him last year, I always saw him as a giant in stature and in life. May he rest in peace.”

“I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend,” Hogan’s friend and fellow wrestling star Ric Flair posted on X. “Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business.

An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To me