Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan is dead

According to police in the US state of Florida, an emergency call about cardiac arrest was received Thursday morning. Firefighters and paramedics initially treated Hulk Hogan at the scene. He was then taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to authorities. The wrestling icon was 71 years old.

Hogan was "one of the most recognizable figures in pop culture," wrote the wrestling association WWE on the platform X. He helped the show sport of wrestling - often called catch in German - achieve worldwide success.

From baseball and music to wrestling

Hogan was born Terrence Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953, in the U.S. state of Georgia. He later played baseball and was a bassist in several bands before turning to professional wrestling in the 1970s. For decades, he wrestled in matches all over the world and won countless trophies. Hogan was still in the ring at the beginning of this year. Recently, there have been rumors about the wrestling star's health problems.

Numerous reality shows brought Hogan additional global fame. Just two years ago, the father of two married for the third time.

Donald Trump's election helper

In recent years, Hogan has also repeatedly been involved in US politics, most recently supporting Republican and current US President Donald Trump . He had previously also supported Barack Obama , a Democrat, for a time, but turned away from him in 2011.

Hogan accompanied Trump at several campaign appearances, including last summer 's Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. To the cheers of the crowd, he first removed his jacket on stage and then tore off a black T-shirt with a US flag print. Underneath, he revealed a sleeveless, bright red shirt bearing the words "Trump - Vance 2024." J.D. Vance became Trump's vice president after Trump's election victory in November 2024.