The WWE icon died of acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, according to the Pinellas County Forensic Science Center documents obtained by USA TODAY Sports. The cause of death was noted in the cremation approval summary report.
The cause of death aligns with the initial report that Hogan died after suffering cardiac arrest.
In the documents, the center notes Hogan’s death was a consequence of a history of atrial fibrillation, a heart condition that results in an irregular and rapid heart rhythm, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hogan also had leukemia CLL, a type of cancer that affects white blood cells and bone marrow.
A spokesperson for the Pinellas County Forensic Science Center said Hogan’s death was certified by his primary care physician, and the medical examiner did not have a case into Hogan’s death.
Hogan died on July 24 at the age of 71. The Clearwater Police Department in Florida said in a statement that fire and police personnel responded to a medical call ‘for a cardiac arrest’ at 9:51 a.m. ET in Clearwater Beach on the Gulf Coast of Florida, near Tampa. The wrestling star was treated by medical personnel at his home before he was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police said no foul play or suspicious activity was suspected.
Hogan didn’t make his health issues public as there had been speculation he was declining. In June, E! News reported in June Hogan had neck surgery and the procedure ‘has indeed been successful.’ Despite the circulation of rumor on social media regarding his health, longtime friend Jimmy Hart said on July 22 he was ‘doing phenomenal.’
Arguably the most popular star in wrestling history, Hogan played a major role in the sport becoming a regional fandom to a worldwide phenonmenon, becoming WWE’s first major persona. He not only was successful in the ring, but his career ventured into movies and TV shows as he became a pop culture icon.
He was a six-time WWE Champion and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice, once in 2005 and in 2020 as part of the New World Order.