Nick Hogan has shared an emotional tribute to his late father, wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who passed away at the age of 71. The tribute came two days after Hulk’s death, which occurred on Thursday when first responders were called to his home for a reported cardiac arrest.
According to People, the 35-year-old son took to Instagram on Saturday, July 26, sharing 20 photos that captured moments between him and his father spanning three decades, demonstrating the meaningful role social media plays in allowing public figures to share personal tributes. The collection included various memories, from WWE broadcasts showing them in matching “Hulkamania” attire to recent photos of them working out together and traveling on private jets.
“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,” Nick wrote in his heartfelt message. He mentioned spending significant time with his father in recent years after moving back to Florida to be closer to him.
How Hulk Hogan spent his final years
According to Sky Daily, Hulk’s third wife, the wrestling star, had been dealing with health issues in his final years. Daily shared her own tribute, expressing that she believed they would overcome these challenges together, but the loss came suddenly and unexpectedly.
The wrestling icon, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was pronounced dead at a hospital after first responders spent 30 minutes trying to revive him. The emergency call came in at 9:51 a.m. on Thursday, as confirmed by WWE in their statement to PEOPLE.
Nick’s tribute included grateful reflections on their relationship, saying he thanked his father for everything and told him how much he loved him at every opportunity. The photos he shared showed their close relationship, including images of them sharing moments at the gym, during road trips, and even behind a DJ booth.
Professional wrestlers and celebrities responded to Nick’s post with messages of support, including wrestler Nattie Neidhart and musician Lil Jon, reflecting how the entertainment community comes together to honor those they’ve lost. The tribute came just over a month after Nick’s previous Instagram post, where he had wished his father a happy Father’s Day with a throwback photo of them together.
Published: Jul 28, 2025 11:59 am