Florida law enforcement officials have officially concluded their investigation into the death of wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan, determining that the WWE icon passed away from natural causes.
The Clearwater Police Department issued a comprehensive 72-page investigative summary on Friday, marking the end of their thorough examination into Hogan’s death. The legendary performer, born Terry Bollea, passed away on July 24 last year at the age of 71.
“There has been no evidence to indicate the death of Terry Bollea was anything other than natural,” the report said. “Through the course of the investigation, there has been no evidence to indicate any criminal wrongdoing related to his death. This case will be closed, and will be considered solved, non-criminal.”
The investigation included extensive analysis of witness testimonies, medical documentation, video surveillance, and physical examination of the deceased. According to investigators, Hogan was at his residence with his spouse Sky Daily Hogan, along with a home health aide and occupational therapist, when he ceased breathing. His wife immediately contacted emergency services while the three individuals administered CPR until emergency responders took over.
Family members informed detectives that the wrestling icon had been battling numerous serious health conditions in the weeks leading up to his death, including leukemia, an irregular hearth rhythm, pneumonia and kidney failure. He had also undergone many hospitalizations and surgeries in the years before his death.
Initial comments from the occupational therapist to investigators sparked theories that Hogan’s passing might have been connected to phrenic nerve damage from recent surgical procedures. However, the therapist subsequently clarified that stress from performing life-saving measures had affected his initial statements and that he had spoken inappropriately.
The county medical examiner determined that cardiac arrest caused Hogan’s death and opted against conducting a complete autopsy. An independent autopsy commissioned by the family supported this conclusion, discovering “no reasonable traumatic or terminal toxicologic contributions.”
The wrestling superstar stands as arguably the most recognizable performer in WWE history, celebrated for his charismatic presence and athletic achievements. He headlined the inaugural WrestleMania event in 1985 and remained a central figure for years, competing against legendary opponents including Andre The Giant and Randy Savage to The Rock and even WWE co-founder Vince McMahon.
Throughout his career, Hogan captured no fewer than six WWE championship titles and received Hall of Fame induction in 2005, with reinstatement occurring in 2018. His Hall of Fame status was temporarily revoked in 2015 following the emergence of recordings containing racist remarks directed at Black individuals, for which he issued public apologies.
Several weeks following Hogan’s passing, family and friends gathered for a well-attended private memorial service at a Largo, Florida church.
