On Tuesday evening, a private funeral service was held at Indian Rocks Church in Florida, where wrestling icon Hulk Hogan was baptized in a significant gesture of faith. The service, attended by WWE executives and celebrities, honored the life of Terry Bollea, better known by his ring name, Hulk Hogan, who passed away at 71 due to a heart attack on July 24, 2024. Medical reports indicated that his long-standing condition of atrial fibrillation likely contributed to his untimely death.
The event, which drew a modest number of attendees, was marked by a heightened security presence, including local police and church security, as well as the deployment of K-9 units. Signs at the entrance clearly stated that the ceremony was a private event, ensuring that only select individuals could attend. Despite the restricted access, several prominent figures paid tribute to Hogan in various ways, including former President Donald Trump, who shared an arm wrestling photo with Hogan on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also honored Hogan’s memory by declaring ‘Hulk Hogan Day’ in Florida, a gesture that reflects the wrestler’s enduring cultural impact in the state. ‘He was a true Floridian through and through,’ DeSantis remarked, highlighting the significance of Hogan’s legacy as a native of Florida.
Hogan’s family expressed their grief and gratitude, with his wife, Sky Daily Hogan, acknowledging his ongoing battle with health issues and the hope that they would overcome them. His daughter, Brooke Bollea Oleksy, recalled the genuine side of her father, stating, ‘I am so grateful I knew the real version of him.’ His son, Nick, also shared heartfelt reflections, expressing his deep love and loss for his father.
As a cornerstone of both the WWE’s early success and the broader entertainment industry, Hogan’s influence remains profound. His contributions to sports entertainment, from the first WrestleMania to his ventures in film and reality TV, underscore his multifaceted legacy. The ceremony, while private, stands as a testament to the respect and admiration he garnered throughout his career and personal life.