In a stunning and heartbreaking twist, Nick Hogan — the only son of WWE legend Hulk Hogan — shared a deeply touching Father’s Day tribute just days before his father’s sudden passing. Now, the world looks back on that post with fresh eyes and shattered hearts.
💔 The Final Tribute Before Goodbye
On Father’s Day, just two weeks before the wrestling world lost one of its greatest icons, Nick Hogan posted a nostalgic photo of himself as a child, dressed in matching red and yellow gear beside his larger-than-life father — the original Hulkster.
“Had a great Father’s Day with the GOAT! Happy Father’s Day to all the awesome dads!” Nick captioned the photo.
At the time, it was a sweet nod to a lifetime of memories, mentorship, and muscle-flexing father-son bonding. But today, that image serves as a gut-wrenching prelude to a devastating goodbye.
🕊️ Hulk Hogan Dead at 71
On Thursday, July 24, reports confirmed that Terry Gene Bollea, known to the world as Hulk Hogan, died at the age of 71. Emergency crews were dispatched to his Clearwater, Florida home in response to a cardiac arrest call. He was rushed to the hospital but pronounced dead at 11:17 a.m., according to authorities.
⚠️ The Wrestling Legend’s Health Struggles
Over the years, Hogan had been transparent about the brutal toll wrestling had taken on his body. He once revealed he had undergone over 25 surgeries, including 10 back surgeries, as well as multiple joint replacements. Just this May, he underwent a neck procedure, and rumors of heart surgery followed in June — though unconfirmed by family.
📢 The Family’s Statement
Hogan’s family issued a heartbreaking message hours after his passing:
“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend. Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones… 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.”
👨👦 Nick and Hulk’s Bond — A Son’s Quiet Grief
Nick, 34, had a complicated public life, but remained close to his father in recent years. His Father’s Day post wasn’t just a tribute — it was a final love letter from a son to the man who shaped his world.
Fans have flooded Nick’s comments with messages of sympathy:
“Your Father’s Day post hits different now. Sending love and strength, Nick.”
“He was our hero growing up — but he was your dad. We’re so sorry.”
“That post… now it feels like he knew. This is heartbreaking.”
🌍 A Global Icon, A Personal Loss
For the world, Hulk Hogan was a wrestling legend, a pop culture force, and the face of an era. But for Nick, he was Dad — the man behind the mustache, the protector, the mentor.
As fans around the world mourn, it’s impossible to ignore the bittersweet poetry in Nick’s final tribute. A boy flexing beside his father. A son unknowingly saying goodbye.
🕯️ Rest in power, Hulk Hogan. Your strength was unmatched, your presence unforgettable — and your legacy will live on, in arenas, in hearts, and in the quiet love between a father and son.