ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Authorities in Florida are continuing their investigation into the death of professional wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan, who passed away on July 24, 2023, at the age of 71. The medical examiner concluded that Hogan's death was caused by a heart attack, but the Clearwater Police Department has stated that the unique nature of the case requires them to conduct thorough interviews and obtain medical records from various providers.
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was taken to a hospital after paramedics and police responded to a 911 call at his beachfront home in Clearwater. To date, that call and the body camera footage from the police at the scene remain unpublished as the investigation continues. The police have indicated that these records cannot be released until the investigation is completed. A statement from the Clearwater Police Department emphasized the lengthy nature of the investigation, stating, "All of this takes time. Until the investigation is completed, no records related to the case, including body camera footage, can be released."
Despite the medical examiner's ruling of a natural death, police have said there was no evidence of foul play. Hogan had a prior medical history that included leukemia and atrial fibrillation, which involves an irregular heartbeat. Therefore, police are focusing their probe on the circumstances surrounding his health and any relevant medical records. Investigators are also collaborating with Hogan’s family, including his son Nick and daughter Brooke.
The police have expressed their intention to meet with Hogan's family to keep them updated on the investigation's progress. They plan to share their findings with the family before making any information publicly available. At this time, there is no set timetable for when the investigation results will be released.
Throughout his illustrious career, Hogan became one of the most significant figures in WWE history. He gained immense fame for his charismatic persona and wrestling prowess, headlining the first WrestleMania in 1985. Throughout his career, he engaged in high-profile matches against famous wrestlers like Andre The Giant, Randy Savage, The Rock, and even WWE co-founder Vince McMahon. Hogan secured at least six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, although he faced controversy in 2015 that led to his removal from the Hall of Fame due to racial slurs, for which he later apologized. He was reinstated in 2018.
In terms of his posthumous arrangements, Hogan was scheduled to be cremated, but it remains unclear whether this has already been carried out. A private funeral service was held on August 5, 2023, at a church in Largo, Florida, which was reportedly well-attended by family and friends. Earlier this month, Brooke Hogan took to Instagram to convey that the cremation had been postponed due to unresolved questions within the family regarding her father's death. In her post, she expressed her willingness to fund an autopsy to ensure her father's dignity and legacy, stating, "My dad's dignity and legacy deserves it." However, it is not yet known if an autopsy has been performed.
The investigation into Hulk Hogan’s death continues, with law enforcement taking the necessary steps to ensure a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the wrestling legend’s passing. The complexities involved in the case mean it could take some time before the family and the public receive clarity on the events leading to Hogan’s untimely demise.
