The Pinellas County Medical Examiner has determined the official cause of death for pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan.
Hogan (real name Terry Bollea) died of acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. according to the cremation summary approval report obtained by Deadline. According to the report, the WWE legend had a history of atrial fibrillation (AFib) (a heart condition characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rate) and as well as a history of leukemia CLL, a type of blood cancer where the bone marrow produces too many lympocytes, a type of white blood cell, which then spread to the blood and other parts of the body.
Hogan died July 24 in Clearwater, FL. Local police said Hogan suffered cardiac arrest at his home and was pronounced dead at a hospital. He was 71.
Hogan’s pro wrestling career began in the late 1970s, and he joined what then was known as the World Wrestling Federation in 1979. His first stint at WWF lasted only a couple of years but included memorable bouts with the likes of Andre the Giant and others.
Known for his showmanship in the ring, Hogan won multiple world championships across companies, most notably being a six-time WWE World Champion.
News of Hogan’s death came three days after Fox Nation secured rights to air Real American Freestyle, the wrestling league started by WWE Hall of Famer Hogan, Eric Bischoff and Chad Bronstein.
In a statement, CEO and Co-founder Bronstein said, “We lost our Commissioner. We lost a friend. And the sport of wrestling lost one of its greatest champions, not just in the ring, but in spirit. Hulk Hogan believed wrestling was more than just entertainment. He saw it as a brotherhood, a proving ground and a platform for greatness. That’s what Real American Freestyle was built to be, a new stage for the toughest, most passionate athletes on Earth. And Hulk was at the center of it.
“From day one,” he continued, “he threw his weight behind this league. He met with athletes. He watched tape, shared stories, and showed up like only he could. RAF was personal to him, something bigger than all of us. This league is part of his legacy, and we intend to honor it.”
The New York Post was first to report Hogan’s cause of death.
Erik Pedersen contributed to this report.
