More information is coming to light about the end of Hulk Hogan’s life.
One week after the pro wrestler died at the age of 71, his cause of death was confirmed as acute myocardial infarction, otherwise known as a heart attack, per an autopsy report obtained by NBC News and viewed by E! News.
The medical records also noted Hulk (born Terry Gene Bollea) had a history of atrial fibrillation as well as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a form of cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects the group of white blood cells called lymphocytes. This type of leukemia, per the Mayo Clinic, is labeled chronic due to its slow progression and often only requires treatment months or years after diagnosis.
Hulk’s diagnosis with the disease was not publicly known before his death.
E! News has reached out to the Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s office for additional comment.
Authorities were called to Hulk’s residence on July 24 to an emergency relating to “cardiac arrest,” per a 911 phone call recording obtained by E! News. The WWE Hall of Famer was then “pronounced deceased” at Mortan Plant Hospital, Clearwater police confirmed to E! News.
In the days since Hulk’s death, his loved ones have shared their grief over his passing, including his son Nick Hogan, whom he shared with ex-wife Linda Hogan.
“My dad was the most incredible person I’ve ever known and will always be my hero,” the 35-year-old wrote in an Instagram post July 26. “He was the most kind, loving and amazing father anybody could ask for. I feel so blessed to have had the greatest dad in the world. He was not only the best dad but also my mentor and my best friend. He always has been my best friend and I love him and miss him more than I could ever explain.”
But while Nick is mourning the absence of his father, he knows Hulk—also dad to 37-year-old Brooke Hogan—will always be with him.
“I know now that he will always be watching over me,” he added. “I will always remember the lessons and advice he gave me and carry on in a way that I know would make him proud. Thank you for being the best dad in the world and thank you for being my best friend. I love you so much Big Dog and I will miss you forever.”
Linda, for her part, shared her shock over her ex’s sudden passing.
“I had no idea he would pass away this soon,” Linda—who was married to Hulk for almost 30 years before their 2009 split—wrote July 28 in the comments section of an old post. “We all really thought he would make a come back! Big surprise. We are all devastated. It’s hitting me so hard.”
She emphasized, “I’ve been weeping all day. The finality. It’s just shocking. We spent every minute together for so many years. I’ve known him since he was 28 yrs old! I was 22. I still love him. Even tho I never spoke or saw him, Nick did.. and Nick would tell me things and vice versa. Just news about life.”
For a look back at Hulk’s life, keep reading.
(NBC News and E! News are both part of NBCUniversal.)
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