Hulk Hogan / WWE
Wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71 of a suspected cardiac arrest.
According to TMZ, which broke the story, paramedics arrived at the star’s home in Clearwater, Florida this morning at 9.51am local time – 2.51pm UK time – and he was taken to a nearby hospital.
Despite attempts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead by doctors shortly after his arrival.
Speculation about Hogan’s health had been rife in recent weeks, with some reports claiming that he was on his “deathbed” and even in a coma, but his wife Sky Daily dismissed those rumours.
Hogan was one of the main factors behind the rise of the WWE – then known as WWF – into mainstream popular culture in the 1980s and ’90s.
A statement from WWE read: “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 star, known for his trademark handlebar moustache, also became a film and TV star, appearing in movies such as Rocky III and The Nanny, as well as his own fly-on-the-wall reality show Hogan Knows Best.
Hogan is survived by third wife Sky, daughter Brooke and son Nick.
