Largo, Florida – Dozens of people gathered Tuesday night for the funeral service of legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan, who passed away last month at age 71. The private ceremony took place in the same church where Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was baptized in 2023. Hogan died after suffering a heart attack on July 24 at his Clearwater residence, according to the Pinellas County medical examiner. The coroner’s report indicated that Hogan had previously suffered from leukemia and atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm. His death was considered to be from natural causes. The service featured a strong security presence from the church and Largo police officers, including K-9 units. Anyone not on the guest list was turned away near signs indicating “Private Event”. Former President Donald Trump shared a photo on his Truth Social platform where he is seen competing with Hogan in an arm wrestling match, adding: “Today is the ‘Hulkster’s’ funeral, and I thought everyone would like to see this photo.” Governor Ron DeSantis ordered last Friday that flags be flown at half-staff at all official buildings, and declared that day as “Hulk Hogan Day in Florida”. Hogan was perhaps the biggest star in the long history of wrestling, known as much for his flamboyant personality as for his achievements in the ring. He was the main attraction of the first WrestleMania in 1985 and a constant figure for years, facing figures like Andre The Giant and Randy Savage, up to The Rock and even WWE co-founder Vince McMahon. Hogan was also a celebrity outside the world of wrestling, participating in numerous films and television shows, including “Hogan Knows Best”, a reality show about his life on VH1. Hogan’s body will be cremated.
I am very grateful to have met the real version of him. Not just the one the world saw through a carefully curated lens.
Brooke Hogan
