Hulk Hogan, known as 'a legend of professional wrestling' (real name Terry Bollea), passed away on July 31 (local time), a week after his death, with the cause of death and his medical history disclosed. Terry Bollea rose to global stardom in the 1980s and 1990s as the leading figure of professional wrestling's golden era under the name Hulk Hogan.
According to U.S. media outlets including the Associated Press and NBC, Hogan's autopsy report issued by the authorities noted that the direct cause of death was acute myocardial infarction. Acute myocardial infarction occurs when the coronary artery, which supplies blood to the heart muscle, suddenly gets blocked, resulting in the death of heart tissue.
The Clearwater Police Department in western Florida responded to a report of a heart attack at Hogan's residence at 9:51 a.m. on the 24th of last month. Emergency responders attempted to provide first aid on the scene and transported him to a nearby hospital, but he ultimately died at the hospital.
The autopsy report on Hogan, which was released a week after his death, also detailed that he had a history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and atrial fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia, during his lifetime.
His wife, Sky Daily, stated on Instagram on the 25th of last month, 'Hogan was experiencing some health issues, but I truly believed we would overcome them. I had great faith in his strength and still thought we had more time left.'
Hogan's daughter, Brooke Bollea, recently shared several childhood photos taken with her father on Instagram, saying, 'You were my everything, and I was proud to be your daughter. Thank you for loving me so deeply.'
Hogan is regarded as the greatest star in the history of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), representing U.S. professional wrestling. He won the WWE Championship at least six times and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
In the mid-1980s, Hogan was credited as a key figure in transforming professional wrestling into a family-friendly entertainment sport. The public was excited by his 'horseshoe-shaped mustache,' red and yellow outfits, and '24-inch pythons,' which referred to his thick arms. Prior to his emergence, wrestling's fan base was not considered very robust.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that all public buildings in Florida would fly flags at half-staff to honor Hogan, stating, 'It is Hulk Hogan Day in Florida.'
U.S. President Donald Trump also memorialized Hogan in a post on Truth Social on the day he passed, saying, 'He entertained fans around the world, and his cultural impact was tremendous. I will miss Hulk Hogan greatly.'