Hulk Hogan's Cause of Death and Secret Health Struggles Revealed

The documents shed light on the iconic wrestler’s final months, revealing that he was dealing with issues much more serious than what the press ever knew.

The professional wrestling world is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures. Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, died July 24, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida. He was 71.

The weeks before his passing were marked by speculation about his health, with fans and media scrambling over updates and rumors. Newly released documents now confirm both the cause of death and a private battle Hulk never revealed.

According to the Pinellas County Forensic Science Center, Hulk died from acute myocardial infarction—a heart attack caused by a sudden blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to tissue damage.

The death was ruled natural, and the documents include a request for cremation approval. "I am not aware when Mr. Bollea will be cremated, only that we received a request for cremation approval," said a spokesperson for the medical examiner's office.

Beyond the heart attack, the documents also revealed Hulk's previously unknown health struggles. He had a documented history of atrial fibrillation (AFib)—a condition marked by irregular, often rapid heartbeats.

He also had chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a form of cancer affecting white blood cells. The leukemia diagnosis, in particular, was never made public during his lifetime, casting new light on the health challenges he endured in recent years.

Just two months before his passing, Hulk underwent a significant four-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) surgery to address decades of neck and back damage sustained in the ring.

His wife, Sky Daily, frequently reassured fans about his progress, dismissing rumors of comas and severe complications. In a heartfelt update on July 12, she wrote: "He's healing and we're taking it one day at a time with love, strength, and patience."

Hulk's final hours unfolded quickly. On the morning of July 24, he went into cardiac arrest at his home and was rushed to Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, where he was pronounced dead.

His representatives confirmed the news later that day, issuing a brief but emotional statement: "Unfortunately, we must confirm that Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan, passed away this morning. We are heartbroken. He was such a great human being and friend."

Hulk's wife, Sky Hogan, was among the first to share her grief publicly. In a poignant Instagram post on July 25, she wrote, "I wasn't ready for this… and my heart is in pieces." She continued:

"He had been dealing with some health issues, but I truly believed we would overcome them. I had so much faith in his strength. I thought we still had more time. This loss is sudden and impossible to process."

Sky closed her tribute with a message of gratitude to Hulk's supporters:

"Hulk loved his fans so much and despite his growing physical discomfort, he did everything he could to show up, sign autographs, take photos, and connect with the people who supported him through it all. You meant everything to him."

Nick Hogan followed with his own tribute on July 26, calling his father both his mentor and best friend: "My dad was the most incredible person I've ever known and will always be my hero. He was the most kind, loving and amazing father anybody could ask for."

"I feel so blessed to have had the greatest dad in the world. He was not only the best dad but also my mentor and my best friend. He always has been my best friend and I love him and miss him more than I could ever explain," he wrote.

Fans witnessed Nick mourning during WWE's televised "Monday Night Raw" tribute, where wrestlers and spectators honored Hulk's legacy with standing ovations and chants.

Hulk's ex-wife, Linda, also acknowledged the loss, describing the grief as "so hard" to bear and affirming her lasting love for the man she married in 1983.

Brooke Hogan, despite her recent estrangement from her father, expressed her enduring love and gratitude on July 29:

"You were my everything, and I will always be your girl. I am PROUD to be your daughter—for all the love, light, and goodness you brought into this world. Thank you for choosing me in this lifetime, and for loving me so deeply."

Hulk's passing marks the end of an era in professional wrestling, but his impact and spirit will live on in the hearts of those he inspired.

We extend our sincerest sympathies to his family and all who loved him.