Tributes pour in for WWE legend — follow live updates

Hulk Hogan, the professional wrestling icon credited with helping turn pro wrestling into a global phenomenon, died on Thursday morning. He was 71.

Police in Clearwater, Fla., said on Thursday that they were dispatched to his home for what was described as a “cardiac arrest.” The wrestling legend was treated by paramedics before being taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Hogan’s death was confirmed in a statement posted to his Instagram page.

“Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones,” the post read. “At this time of grief, we ask that everyone please respect the privacy of his family and friends. May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades. He will be missed, but never forgotten.”

Hogan rose to fame as a member of the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) and was known for dramatically ripping off his shirt as he entered the ring. Outside the ring, he appeared in numerous movies and television shows, including a VH1 reality series, Hogan Knows Best.

Tributes to Hogan have been pouring in. Referring to him as the “Hulkster,” President Trump described Hogan as “a great friend” and “MAGA all the way.” Vince McMahon, the cofounder and former CEO of WWE, called Hogan “the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME.”

Follow the blog below for the latest updates and reactions to Hogan’s death.