Professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71 after suffering a reported cardiac arrest at his residence in Clearwater, Florida on Thursday morning.
Emergency services were summoned to the wrestler's home following reports of a cardiac arrest.
The wrestling legend, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was reportedly transported from his property on a stretcher before being placed in an ambulance.
World Wrestling Entertainment has confirmed the death of the performer who became one of the sport's most recognisable figures during the 1980s.
Reuters
|The WWE have posted a statement after the death of Hulk Hogan
The wrestling organisation released an official statement expressing their sadness at the loss of the legendary performer.
"WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away," the company announced via social media platform X.
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The statement continued: "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 performer is widely acknowledged for revolutionising professional wrestling, turning it into mainstream family entertainment through his theatrical performances.
His contributions helped establish WWE, formerly known as WWF, as the premier global wrestling organisation after he joined in 1983.
According to reports, emergency responders arrived at the star's Florida residence on Thursday morning following a call regarding a cardiac arrest. Police vehicles and paramedics were seen stationed outside the property in Clearwater.
The sudden passing occurred merely weeks after his spouse Sky publicly refuted speculation that the wrestler was critically ill.
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Reuters
|Hulk Hogan reportedly had a cardiac arrest at home
She had insisted his cardiac health remained robust following a standard surgical procedure on his neck.
His representative had stated the previous month: "He's had problems with his back for years but there's no emergency."
The eight-time Wrestlemania champion had made his most recent WWE appearance on 6 January this year.
The wrestling community and supporters have responded with an immediate wave of remembrances across social media platforms.
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GETTY | Tributes have poured in after the death of Hulk Hogan
"Hulk Hogan was a genuine, uniquely American creation. Fearlessly original. Flawed but unbowed. He had the courage to stand on his own principles, and he never stopped fighting for his country. An American icon. He will be missed," one tribute read.
Additional messages flooded Twitter within moments of the announcement. "REST IN PEACE, Hulk Hogan!" wrote another supporter, whilst a third simply stated: "Rest easy brother."
The wrestler had been inducted into WWE's Hall of Fame in 2005, though was temporarily removed in 2015 following controversy over racist remarks. He received a second induction in 2020.