GOODBYE DAD! Hulk Hogan’s Final FaceTime with Daughter Brooke Before His Death

The world of professional wrestling and pop culture was rocked on July 24, 2025, when Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, passed away at the age of 71. The iconic wrestler, whose larger-than-life persona defined an era, succumbed to a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Amid the outpouring of tributes from fans, wrestlers, and political figures, a deeply personal moment has emerged as a poignant footnote to his legacy: Hulk Hogan’s final FaceTime call with his daughter, Brooke Hogan, just hours before his death.

Hogan, a two-time WWE Hall of Famer, was a towering figure in the wrestling world, transforming the industry from a niche spectacle into a global phenomenon in the 1980s. His signature red and yellow bandana, handlebar mustache, and “Hulkamania” catchphrase made him a household name. Beyond the ring, Hogan’s charisma extended to Hollywood, with roles in films like Rocky III and his reality show Hogan Knows Best. However, in his final moments, it was not the roar of the crowd or the spotlight that defined him, but a quiet, heartfelt connection with his daughter.

Brooke Hogan, now 37, shared a glimpse into their last conversation through an emotional statement on social media. The FaceTime call, which took place the evening before his passing, was described as a tender exchange filled with love and reflection. According to sources close to the family, Hogan, aware of his deteriorating health, wanted to connect with Brooke one last time. The call was not marked by grand gestures but by the simple intimacy of a father and daughter sharing memories and laughter. Brooke reportedly told friends that her father seemed at peace, reminiscing about her childhood and their time together on their reality show.

Hogan’s health had been a topic of concern in recent months. He had undergone numerous surgeries over the years, including a major neck procedure in May 2025 and a four-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion earlier in the year. His wife, Sky Daily, had publicly denied rumors of a coma, insisting his heart was strong. Yet, despite these assurances, Hogan’s body had endured decades of physical strain from his wrestling career. In a September 2024 interview on Jake Paul’s IMPAULSIVE podcast, Hogan admitted to having 25 surgeries in the past decade, including ten back operations, knee and hip replacements, and shoulder procedures. These health challenges, coupled with the toll of his high-octane career, likely contributed to the cardiac arrest that claimed his life.

The Clearwater Police Department reported that emergency responders were dispatched to Hogan’s home at 9:51 a.m. on July 24 following a cardiac arrest call. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital at 11:17 a.m. Authorities noted no signs of foul play, and the investigation remains standard procedure. Hogan was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing, a small comfort to his family, including Brooke, his son Nick, and his wife Sky.

Brooke’s husband, Steven Oleksy, shared a statement on her behalf, emphasizing the family’s need for privacy as they process this loss. “It’s a challenging time for us,” he wrote, condemning the spread of AI-generated videos that falsely depicted Hogan’s final moments. Brooke herself has remained largely silent, save for her social media post honoring her father. “Thank you for being my best friend,” she wrote, alongside a photo of them together during happier times. The post resonated with fans, who flooded the comments with messages of support and memories of “The Hulkster.”

Hogan’s death prompted tributes from across the globe. Former President Donald Trump, whom Hogan endorsed at the 2024 Republican National Convention, called him a “great friend” and a “MAGA” icon. Wrestling peers like Ric Flair and Glenn Jacobs (Kane) shared personal anecdotes, highlighting Hogan’s generosity and impact. Sylvester Stallone, Hogan’s Rocky III co-star, praised his “magician-like” presence in fight scenes. Even Linda McMahon, former WWE co-founder, reflected on their 40-year friendship, calling his legacy unforgettable.

In his final FaceTime with Brooke, Hogan reportedly expressed pride in her growth as a person and artist. The call, though brief, encapsulated the bond they shared—a bond that weathered public controversies, including Hogan’s 2015 racial slur scandal and his high-profile lawsuit against Gawker. For Brooke, it was a moment of closure with the man who was not just a wrestling legend but her father. As the world mourns Hulk Hogan, this final conversation stands as a testament to the personal side of a public icon, a father saying goodbye to his daughter in the quiet of a digital connection.