Final Ruling In GA Native Hulk Hogan's Death Revealed

CLEARWATER, FL — Police have recently released new details into the death of WWE legend Hulk Hogan at his Florida home last year, including the final ruling on his cause of death.

Hogan, a 71-year-old whose real name is Terry Gene Bollea and who was born in Augusta, had an extensive medical history that included a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia prior to his July 24, 2025 death, according to a 72-page report released Friday by Clearwater Police and reviewed by Patch. The local department has officially closed the case.

In July 2025, it was reported Hogan died of a heart attack after battling leukemia. At the time of his passing, he had gone into cardiac arrest.

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The morning Hogan died appeared normal, wife Melanie Sky Daily Bollea told officers, per the report. He had eaten yogurt with berries for breakfast.

A home health aide who had been at the home since 7 a.m. reported Hogan's speech was low and mumbly. He had fallen asleep in his recliner at some point but was breathing, she told officers.

When an occupational therapist arrived around 9:30 a.m., he tried to check Hogan's oxygen level; but, Bollea told him "due to the size of his fingers, it is sometimes difficult to obtain an accurate reading," per the police report.

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Both the therapist and aide were then in a bathroom preparing it for occupational-related tasks when Bollea found her husband breathless, according to the report. She immediately called 911.

"My husband, it doesn't seem like he's breathing," Bollea told dispatch, according to the report.

The therapist and aide repositioned Hogan on the floor and attempted CPR until first responders arrived at the request of dispatch.

The therapist is heard in body camera footage telling officers he attempted chest compressions and tried to locate a pulse on the wrestling star.

Hogan was taken to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:17 a.m., according to the report.

There were no signs of trauma to his body, but his lower legs and ankles were swollen, police said in their report.

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Allegations swirled that Hogan's phrenic nerve had been damaged during a recent neck surgery, police highlighted in their report. There also appeared to be mention of the suspicion in interviews with the therapist, who revealed it was an assumption he made.

Hogan's daughter told officers she was advised her father's surgery may have been "botched," according to the report.

However, in May, police were provided a private autopsy report that concluded Hogan died of natural causes.

"Following an exhaustive review of the statements, medical records, surveillance footage from within the residence and a visual inspection of Mr. Bollea's body, there has been no evidence to indicate the death of Terry Bollea was anything other than natural. Through the course of the investigation, there has been no evidence to indicate any criminal wrongdoing related to his death," police said in a case summary.

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Born in Augusta, Hogan started wrestling in the 1970s and rose to fame after joining the World Wrestling Federation in 1983, according to his biography.

Hogan was perhaps the biggest star in WWE’s long history. He was the main draw for the first WrestleMania in 1985 and was a fixture for years, facing everyone from Andre The Giant and Randy Savage to The Rock and even company chairman Vince McMahon.

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