A Florida police report has formally closed the investigation into the death of professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea. The report concludes Hogan died of natural causes last year at the age of 71.
The report provides official closure on the circumstances surrounding the death of a major figure in professional wrestling history, confirming the cause was natural and dispelling any speculation of foul play.
The death of professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, has been formally attributed to natural causes, according to a comprehensive report released by the Clearwater Police Department in Florida. The 72-page document concludes a thorough investigation, examining statements, medical records, surveillance footage, and a visual inspection of the body.
Hogan passed away on July 24 of the previous year at the age of 71. The police report stated, "There has been no evidence to indicate that the death of Terry Bollea was anything other than natural." It further clarified that "throughout the investigation, there has been no evidence to indicate any criminal act in relation to his death. This case will be closed and considered resolved, with no criminal character."
According to the report, Hogan's wife, Sky Daily Hogan, along with a home health aide and an occupational therapist, were present when he stopped breathing. His wife made the 911 call, and the three attempted CPR until emergency services arrived.
Family members informed investigators that Hogan had been experiencing numerous health problems in the weeks preceding his death, including leukemia, an irregular heartbeat, pneumonia, and kidney failure. He had also undergone multiple hospitalizations and surgeries in the years prior.
Initial statements from the occupational therapist to the police had suggested potential nerve damage from recent surgery as a cause, but the therapist later clarified that he was disoriented from performing CPR and had spoken out of turn. The local medical examiner had concluded Hogan died of a heart attack and declined a full autopsy. A private autopsy commissioned by the family corroborated the initial assessment, finding no reasonable "terminal traumatic or toxicological contributions."
Hogan was a monumental figure in WWE history, celebrated for his larger-than-life persona and in-ring achievements. He headlined the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985 and was a consistent presence for years, facing off against numerous wrestling greats and even WWE co-founder Vince McMahon. He won at least six WWE championships and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005, with a subsequent re-induction in 2018. He had been removed from the Hall of Fame in 2015 following the revelation of racist remarks, for which he later apologized. A private funeral service was held several weeks after his death in Largo, Florida.
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