Hulk Hogan, the larger-than-life wrestling superstar who became a global pop culture icon in the 1980s and ’90s, has died at the age of 71.

Born as Terry Bollea, but best known as Hulk Hogan in the ring, his unmatched charisma and in-ring dominance helped bring professional wrestling into the spotlight, making him one of the most recognizable figures in sports entertainment history.

According to officials in Clear water, Florida, emergency responders were called to Hogan’s home on Thursday, July 25, following reports of a person in cardiac arrest. He was treated at the scene and later pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital.

Authorities confirmed there were no signs of foul play, though a full investigation is ongoing. The cause of death is suspected to be cardiac arrest, pending an autopsy.

Tall, strong, and easily recognized in his red-and-yellow gear, Hogan rose to fame as the biggest star of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) now World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) during its peak years. With memorable catchphrases like “Say your prayers and eat your vitamins” and iconic moments especially when he body-slammed Andre the Giant at Wrestle Mania III, Hogan played a major role in turning professional wrestling into a worldwide entertainment sensation.

Beyond the ring, Hogan’s fame extended to Hollywood and television. He starred alongside Sylvester Stallone in Rocky III, led the animated series Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling, and later appeared in the reality TV show Hogan Knows Best, which gave fans a glimpse into his family life.

However, his legacy was not without controversy. In 2015, Hogan was fired from WWE after a leaked sex tape revealed him making racist remarks. He later apologized and was reinstated in a limited capacity, but the incident strained his reputation and relationships within the wrestling community.

Hogan’s death comes just weeks before the planned launch of his new project, Real American Freestyle, which was meant to promote traditional Olympic-style wrestling. With his sudden passing, the future of the project is now unclear.

He is survived by his wife, Sky, and his two children, Brooke and Nick.

As fans around the world mourn his death, Hogan’s legacy lives on through the moments that shaped a generation, moments full of excitement, power, controversy, and his famous shout: “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”