Hulk Hogan, the towering wrestling icon who became one of the most recognisable faces in sports entertainment and helped catapult WWE into a global phenomenon, has died at the age of 71.

According to TMZ Sports, emergency medical responders were dispatched to Hogan’s home in Clearwater, Florida early Thursday morning following a call reporting a “cardiac arrest.” He was reportedly taken out of the residence on a stretcher and transported by ambulance. Several police units and EMTs were seen outside the property.

Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, gained worldwide fame during the 1980s through his “Hulkamania” persona, a patriotic, larger-than-life character that captured the spirit of the era and brought the then-World Wrestling Federation (WWF) into the mainstream. His charisma, popularity and headline presence at major events like WrestleMania helped transform professional wrestling into a pop culture staple.

He won at least six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

Born in Augusta, Georgia, in 1953, Hogan had two children, Brooke and Nick, with his first wife, Linda. The couple divorced in 2007. He went on to marry Jennifer McDaniel in 2010, though they separated in 2022. Hogan later wed Sky Daily in 2023.

Outside of the ring, Hogan made headlines for his appearances in entertainment and politics. Most recently, he was seen attending the Republican National Convention in July 2024, where he publicly voiced his support for Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.In 2016, a Florida jury awarded Hogan $115 million in his sex tape lawsuit against Gawker Media. Hogan sued after Gawker in 2012 posted a video of him having sex with his former best friend’s wife. Hogan contended the post violated his privacy.

WWE posted a note on X saying it was saddened to learn the WWE Hall of Famer had passed away.

“One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans," it said.

Hogan’s final WWE appearance took place on January 6, during the launch of ‘Monday Night Raw’ on Netflix, marking the last time he featured in programming for the company that made him a household name.

(With inputs from AP)