WWE legend Hulk Hogan, who recently passed away at 71, was secretly battling blood cancer in addition to a heart condition, with his official cause of death confirmed as acute myocardial infarction.
The Official Cause of Death
Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terrence Gene Bollea, died on July 24 at the age of 71. While early reports cited cardiac arrest, medical documents later confirmed his official cause of death as acute myocardial infarction, more commonly known as a heart attack.
This type of heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart suddenly stops, causing severe damage. It was a sudden end for the iconic wrestler, shocking many who knew him.
A Private Battle with Serious Illnesses
What many didn’t know was that Hogan had been privately battling several serious health issues. Sources confirm he was fighting leukemia, a type of blood cancer, specifically CLL which affects white blood cells.
He was also managing atrial fibrillation (AFib), a heart condition that causes an irregular and sometimes dangerously fast heartbeat. Despite these significant challenges, Hogan largely kept his struggles out of the public eye.
The Final Moments
On the morning of his death, police and medics responded to a 9:51 a.m. call at Hogan’s home in Clearwater, Florida. First responders attempted CPR for 30 minutes.
He was then transported to the hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead. The Pinellas County Forensic Science Centre ruled his death “natural,” confirming no foul play was involved.
Years of Physical Toll
Hogan’s body had endured immense strain over his illustrious career. Reports indicate he had undergone 25 surgeries in just a decade, a testament to the physical demands of professional wrestling.
His close friend, Eric Bischoff, suggested Hogan preferred to keep his weakened state private. He noted that the wrestling icon was “embarrassed” but remained true to himself despite his declining health.
Reactions and Lingering Questions
The news came as a shock to many, including long-time friends like Jimmy Hart, who spoke with Hogan just the night before his passing, finding him seemingly well. His wife, Sky Daily, had previously dismissed rumors of his failing health, attributing them to his recovery from a major neck surgery in May.
However, earlier claims from former friend Todd Clem, who had speculated about Hogan’s critical condition, resurfaced after his death. It became clear that behind the scenes, Hogan’s body was giving out after years of battling various ailments.
- Hulk Hogan’s official cause of death was acute myocardial infarction (heart attack).
- He had secretly battled leukemia (blood cancer) and atrial fibrillation (AFib).
- Police responded to a 911 call, and CPR was attempted before his passing.
- Hogan had endured 25 surgeries in the past decade, reflecting the toll of his career.
- Friends noted he preferred to keep his health struggles private, not wanting to be seen as weak.
Hogan leaves behind a legacy as one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling, whose private health battles remained largely hidden from his adoring fans until his final days.
