On July 24, 2025, the wrestling world was shaken to its core as news broke of Hulk Hogan’s passing. The legendary wrestler, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, succumbed to cardiac arrest at the age of 71. While fans mourned the loss of the man who had defined professional wrestling for decades, new revelations about his final hours have emerged. A nurse who was by Hogan’s side during his last moments has broken her silence, offering a heartbreaking account of the wrestling icon’s final battle.

The Morning That Changed Everything

July 24, 2025, started like any other summer day in Clearwater, Florida. The sun shone brightly over the beachside home of Hulk Hogan, a residence that had seen countless celebrations and family gatherings. But inside, a devastating drama was unfolding. At 9:51 a.m., a frantic 911 call shattered the morning’s calm. The caller, whose identity remains undisclosed, reported a cardiac arrest at Hogan’s residence, setting off a desperate race against time.

Within minutes, Clearwater Fire and Rescue arrived at Hogan’s home. The scene was chaotic yet controlled, with paramedics immediately beginning CPR on the wrestling legend. Hogan, whose towering physique had once lifted the 520-pound André the Giant above his head, now lay motionless, his body unable to fight back against the invisible enemy of cardiac arrest. Paramedics worked tirelessly for over 30 minutes, performing chest compressions in a desperate attempt to restart his heart. The dispatch audio, later obtained by People Magazine, captured the urgency and determination of the medical professionals, who refused to give up on a man who had never given up in the ring.

At 10:28 a.m., Hogan was loaded into an ambulance, where paramedics continued their life-saving efforts. The ambulance’s sirens pierced the morning air as it raced to Morton Plant Hospital, where a team of medical staff was already prepared. Despite the advanced equipment and expertise waiting for him, Hogan’s condition remained critical.

The Final Battle

The emergency room at Morton Plant Hospital became the setting for Hogan’s last fight. Behind closed doors, doctors and nurses worked relentlessly to save him. The nurse who has now come forward described the atmosphere as tense and focused, with every available resource deployed to revive the wrestling legend. “We fought for him like he fought in the ring,” the nurse revealed, speaking anonymously due to hospital regulations. “It was clear to everyone that we were not just fighting for a patient but for someone who meant so much to so many.”

Despite their best efforts, the outcome was one that would devastate fans around the world. At 11:17 a.m., Hulk Hogan was pronounced dead. The official cause was cardiac arrest, marking the end of a life that had seemed larger than reality itself. The Clearwater Police Department later confirmed that no foul play or suspicious activity was involved, leaving only the quiet reality of loss.

A Legacy of Strength and Struggle

Hulk Hogan’s passing marked the end of an era, but his final moments were a stark reminder of the toll his legendary career had taken on his body. Hogan had openly discussed his health struggles in recent years, revealing that he had undergone over 25 surgeries in the past decade alone. These included multiple back surgeries, two hip replacements, knee surgeries, and procedures to address chronic pain and nerve damage. In interviews, Hogan admitted that he lived with constant pain but had learned to endure it. “I’m in pain all the time, but I’m used to it,” he once said, describing his daily routine of coffee and Tylenol to get him moving.

In May 2025, Hogan underwent a major spinal fusion surgery, a four-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedure to address chronic neck pain and nerve issues. While his representatives initially described the surgery as successful, whispers of serious health complications began to circulate. Hogan’s former friend and radio host Bubba the Love Sponge claimed on air that Hogan had spent six weeks in intensive care and was on his deathbed. These claims were vehemently denied by Hogan’s family, with his wife, Sky Daily, insisting that Hogan’s heart was strong and his recovery was progressing.

Conflicting Reports and Final Days

The conflicting narratives about Hogan’s health created confusion among fans and media alike. Just days before his death, Hogan’s longtime manager, Jimmy Hart, posted on social media that Hogan was “doing phenomenal” and had recently enjoyed karaoke with his son, Nick. This optimistic update stood in stark contrast to the dire warnings from Bubba’s camp. When the end came, it was sudden, transforming what many believed was a recovery period into a shocking tragedy.

The nurse who attended to Hogan in his final moments described the emotional impact of his passing. “It’s hard to explain the feeling in the room when we realized we couldn’t save him,” she said. “For someone who had always seemed invincible, it was heartbreaking to see him so vulnerable. We fought for him until the very end.”

Tributes Pour In

News of Hulk Hogan’s death spread quickly, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the wrestling world and beyond. WWE issued an official statement mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures, calling Hogan “a pioneer of sports entertainment” and “a global sensation who helped WWE achieve worldwide recognition in the 1980s.”

Ric Flair, Hogan’s longtime friend and rival, shared a deeply emotional tribute. “Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business. An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father. Our friendship has meant the world to me. Rest in peace, my friend,” Flair wrote, revealing that Hogan had once lent him money to keep his son in rehab.

Tributes extended beyond the wrestling ring. Former President Donald Trump described Hogan as “a great American hero,” while Sylvester Stallone, who starred alongside Hogan in Rocky III, called him “an unforgettable personality and showman.” Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna honored Hogan’s local connection, stating, “Gone, but the legend of Hulkamania will run wild forever.”

The Immortal Legacy

Hulk Hogan’s death has reignited discussions about his complex legacy. On one hand, Hogan was the ultimate wrestling icon—a 12-time world champion who helped transform professional wrestling into a global phenomenon. His victory over the Iron Sheik in 1984 marked the birth of “Hulkamania,” a cultural movement that inspired millions to “train, say their prayers, and eat their vitamins.” Hogan’s larger-than-life persona transcended wrestling, leading to roles in Hollywood films, TV appearances, and endorsements that made him a household name.

Yet Hogan’s career was not without controversy. From his admitted steroid use during the 1990s to the racism scandal that temporarily removed him from the WWE Hall of Fame, Hogan’s personal life often clashed with his public persona. Despite years of public apologies and efforts to rebuild his reputation, these controversies remain a part of his legacy.

The Final Goodbye

As fans continue to mourn Hulk Hogan’s death, the nurse’s account of his final moments provides a poignant reminder of the human side of the wrestling legend. Behind the larger-than-life persona was a man who fought until the very end, supported by medical professionals who refused to give up on him.

Hogan’s legacy is complex, marked by triumphs, controversies, and redemption. Whether remembered as the hero of Hulkamania or the flawed man behind the mustache, one thing is certain: Hulk Hogan’s impact on professional wrestling and popular culture will endure for generations to come.

In the words of his longtime rival Ric Flair, “No one will ever compare to you, Hulkster. Rest in peace, my friend.”