On July 24, 2025, the world of professional wrestling was forever changed when Terry Gene Bollea, known to millions as Hulk Hogan, passed away at the age of 71 from a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. The news sent shockwaves through fans, wrestlers, and public figures alike, as tributes poured in for the man who defined an era of sports entertainment. But it was at his final tribute—a somber, heartfelt memorial surrounded by white wreaths and the soft glow of candlelight—that a profoundly moving moment captured the essence of the man behind the legend. Hogan’s beloved Chihuahua, Duke, was gently carried by the family to rest quietly by his casket, his mournful eyes searching for the resonant, booming voice that once called his name. This poignant scene, shared across social media, encapsulated the depth of love and loss felt by those closest to Hogan, reminding us all of the human heart behind the larger-than-life icon.

A Titan of Wrestling: Hulk Hogan’s Legacy

Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, was more than a wrestler—he was a cultural phenomenon. Rising to fame in the 1980s, he transformed professional wrestling from a niche spectacle into a global juggernaut, headlining eight WrestleManias and capturing six World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) championships. His red and yellow attire, “Real American” entrance music, and army of “Hulkamaniacs” made him a household name, inspiring generations with his mantra of “training, prayers, and vitamins.” Beyond the ring, Hogan’s charisma led to roles in films like Rocky III and reality TV shows like Hogan Knows Best, cementing his status as a pop culture icon.

Yet, Hogan’s life was not without controversy. A 2015 leaked racist rant led to his temporary removal from the WWE Hall of Fame, though he was reinstated in 2018 after public apologies. His support for Donald Trump during the 2024 Republican National Convention also drew polarized reactions. Despite these challenges, Hogan’s impact on wrestling and entertainment remained undeniable, with peers like Vince McMahon calling him “the greatest WWE Superstar of all time” and fans on X praising his “unmatched charisma” and “heart of gold.” His passing left a void in the industry, but it was the personal tributes—especially the image of Duke by his casket—that revealed the man behind the myth.

The Final Tribute: A Scene of Sorrow

Hogan’s memorial, held on July 28, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida, was a private affair attended by family, close friends, and wrestling luminaries. The venue was adorned with white wreaths, symbolizing purity and remembrance, and candlelight cast a gentle glow, reflecting the solemnity of the moment. As mourners gathered to honor Hogan’s life, the most heart-wrenching sight was that of Duke, his cherished Chihuahua, carried by Hogan’s wife, Sky Daily, to sit beside the casket. Posts on X described Duke’s “sorrowful eyes” searching for his owner, a moment that brought tears to fans worldwide. “It broke my heart seeing Duke looking for Hulk,” one user wrote. “That little dog loved him so much.”

Duke, a constant companion in Hogan’s later years, was often featured in social media posts, curled up on his lap or trotting alongside him at his Clearwater Beach home. Hogan, a self-described “beach bum,” found solace in simple moments with Duke, especially after decades of physical strain from wrestling and 25 surgeries. Sky Daily shared in an Instagram post that Duke was “Terry’s shadow,” always by his side, whether he was strumming his bass guitar or signing autographs for fans. The image of Duke at the memorial, his tiny frame trembling as he lay by the casket, became a symbol of the personal loss felt by those who knew Hogan not as a superstar, but as a friend, husband, and father.

The Family’s Grief: Sky, Brooke, and Nick

Hogan’s family, devastated by his sudden passing, shared emotional tributes that highlighted his humanity. Sky Daily, his wife since 2023, posted a heartbreaking Instagram message on July 25, 2025, writing, “I wasn’t ready for this… my heart is in pieces. To the world, he was a legend, but to me, he was my Terry, my partner, my heart.” She revealed that Hogan had been battling health issues, including heart problems exacerbated by years of wrestling and surgeries, but she believed he would recover. “I had so much faith in his strength,” she wrote, noting his dedication to fans despite his “growing physical discomfort.” Sky’s faith, rooted in their shared baptism in December 2024, offered her solace, as she took comfort in knowing “his soul is at peace.”

Hogan’s children, Brooke and Nick, also shared their grief. Brooke, a singer and reality TV star, addressed their estranged relationship in a moving Fox News statement, clarifying that their rift was due to “respectful disagreements” rather than a major feud. “I loved him more than words can say,” she wrote, reflecting on private moments like watching old wrestling matches together. “He was my hero, even when we didn’t see eye to eye.” Nick, Hogan’s son, posted on Instagram, calling his father “my best friend” and thanking him for teaching him resilience. “You fought until the end, Dad. I’ll carry you with me always,” he wrote, sharing photos of them fishing and laughing together.

The presence of Duke at the memorial underscored the family’s shared loss. Sky described how Duke would perk up at Hogan’s voice, a deep, resonant sound that filled their home with warmth. During the tribute, as mourners recounted Hogan’s life, Duke’s quiet vigil by the casket spoke volumes, a silent testament to the bond they shared.

Tributes from the Wrestling World and Beyond

The wrestling community mourned Hogan as a trailblazer. WWE Chairman Vince McMahon called him “a global phenomenon” whose “grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled.” Ric Flair, a close friend, shared on X, “When I nearly lost my dad 8 years ago, one of the few people who was there was Hulk Hogan. No one can compare.” The Undertaker, John Cena, and Triple H also paid tribute, with Cena posting a silent Instagram photo of Hogan in the ring, flooded with nearly 2,000 fan comments.

Beyond wrestling, Hollywood and political figures honored Hogan’s impact. Sylvester Stallone, who starred alongside him in Rocky III, called him a “magician” in fight scenes, while Brooke Shields remembered his guest role on Suddenly Susan as a career highlight. Former President Donald Trump, a friend and fellow RNC speaker, wrote on Truth Social, “We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’ He was MAGA all the way, with the biggest heart.” However, not all reactions were positive; a Florida school board chair, Sarah Rockwell, sparked outrage by mocking Hogan’s death on Facebook, later apologizing for her “flippant” remarks.

Duke: The Heart of the Story

The image of Duke at Hogan’s memorial resonated deeply with fans, reflecting the universal pain of losing a loved one. Chihuahuas are known for their fierce loyalty, and Duke was no exception. Hogan often shared stories of Duke following him to his beachfront bar, Hogan’s Hangout, or napping in his guitar case. “That little guy’s got more personality than half the roster,” Hogan once joked on Hogan Knows Best. Sky revealed in her tribute that Duke had been with Hogan during his final months, offering comfort as his health declined. “Terry would talk to Duke like he was one of the kids,” she wrote. “He’d say, ‘C’mon, brother, let’s go for a walk,’ and Duke would wag his tail like he understood every word.”

At the memorial, Duke’s presence was a quiet but powerful reminder of Hogan’s softer side. As the family placed the Chihuahua by the casket, mourners noted his stillness, as if he sensed the gravity of the moment. A photo shared on X by user @varshaparmar06, part of a thread celebrating human-animal bonds, captured Duke’s mournful gaze, sparking thousands of retweets and comments like, “This is too much. Duke knew Hulk was his world.” The moment echoed other stories of pets grieving their owners, resonating with anyone who’s experienced the unconditional love of a furry companion.

Hogan’s Final Months: Health Struggles and Resilience

Hogan’s passing followed years of health challenges, including 25 surgeries and admitted steroid use from his wrestling days. His wife and representatives had downplayed concerns, with Sky assuring fans in early 2025 that he was recovering from recent procedures. However, a cardiac arrest on July 24 proved fatal, despite 30 minutes of revival efforts by first responders. Clearwater Police confirmed they responded to a 9:51 a.m. 911 call at Hogan’s home, where he was pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital.

In his final months, Hogan remained active, launching Real American Beer in 2024 and appearing at the Republican National Convention, where he delivered a rousing speech. Friends noted his determination to connect with fans, even as his health faltered. “Hulk loved his fans so much,” Sky wrote. “He’d push through pain to sign autographs or take photos.” His resilience mirrored the spirit that made him a legend, making his sudden loss all the more devastating.

A Complicated Legacy

Hogan’s life was a tapestry of triumphs and trials. His contributions to wrestling—popularizing “Hulkamania” and elevating WWE to global prominence—were monumental. Yet, his controversies, from the racist remarks to his political stances, sparked debate. Fans on X reflected this divide, with some calling him “a flawed but iconic hero” and others criticizing his past. Still, his memorial focused on his heart: his love for his family, his generosity with fans, and his bond with Duke.

The question of Hogan’s funeral attire—whether a suit or his signature wrestling spandex—became a lighthearted point of contention, with RadarOnline reporting a family debate over how to honor his legacy. Ultimately, the focus remained on his personal impact, with Duke’s presence symbolizing the quiet moments that defined Terry Bollea, not just Hulk Hogan.

A Universal Loss

Hogan’s passing marked the end of an era, but his influence endures. Tributes continue to pour in, with WWE planning a special SmackDown episode to honor him and fans sharing memories online. The image of Duke by his casket remains the most enduring, a reminder that even legends leave behind simple, profound connections. As Sky wrote, “Please keep his family and all of us who loved him in your prayers.”

Hogan’s voice—booming, warm, and unforgettable—may be silent, but his spirit lives on in the hearts of his fans, his family, and one small Chihuahua who still waits for his call. Hulkamania may never die, but the man who brought it to life will be deeply missed.