Hudson Valley Mourning the Loss of Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan

The Hulkster has died at the age of 71.

What a tough week with the passing of a couple of pop culture icons. Ozzy Osbourne's passing on Tuesday, and now the news of the legendary Hulk Hogan's passing, it certainly is a terrible week for fellow children of the 80s.

Also See: Remembering Ozzy Osbourne with Classic Debut Solo Album 

TMZ reported this morning that the wrestling legend had died at 71 years old. Medics were dispatched to the WWE icon's Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday morning with operators stating it was regarding a "cardiac arrest." Cops said that officials responded to the call at 9:51 AM and Hogan was treated by Clearwater Fire & Rescue personnel before being taken to a nearby hospital. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, is an iconic American professional wrestler, actor, and television personality. Hogan became a global wrestling sensation in the 1980s, particularly with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), where his larger-than-life persona, signature "Hulkamania" catchphrase, and heroic character made him one of the most recognizable athletes of all time.

His wrestling career spanned several decades, with notable championship victories, including six WWE World Heavyweight Championships. Hogan also gained fame for his stints in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and TNA Wrestling. Beyond wrestling, Hogan appeared in movies such as Rocky III and starred in his own reality show, Hogan Knows Best.

Known for his trademark mustache, bandana, and muscle-bound physique, Hogan is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers in history and a key figure in the popularization of professional wrestling in mainstream culture.

Hudson Valley Remembering The Hulkster

Being a wrestling fan for 40 plus years, I'll always have fond memories of seeing Hulk Hogan on television and live at wrestling events around the tri state area and right here in the Hudson Valley at the MJN Center (formerly Mid Hudson Civic Center).

See: Top 5 Most Memorable Wrestling Matches in Poughkeepsie

Tributes are pouring in for the man who was just in the Hudson Valley area for a Real American Beer Tour, in support of his new Real American Beer back in February. Good friend since childhood and fellow wrestling fan Joe Mason posted on social media pictures of his family with The Hulkster at an appearance some years back. "RIP Hulkster…Another piece of our childhood gone. This week has been rough", he wrote in a Facebook posting.

Steve Credo, Producer/Editor/Photographer at Steve Credo Media and admin for the Marks4Life wrestling Facebook group posted various photos with Hulk Hogan with the caption RIP Hulk Hogan.

Stephen Keeler, owner of Rock Fantasy record shop in Middletown, NY posted a photo with Hogan writing, "REST IN PEACE MR HULK HOGAN!"

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George "the Animal" Farmer shared a photo taken with Hulk Hogan, posting on social media "They say never meet your idols. Well I got too on many occasions and each time he treated me like a brother. Thanks for the memories Hulkster. If you watched him wrestle your childhood was awesome. Hulk A Mania will live forever." #immortal

We had just reported back in June that Hogan had been set to open a new $7 million sports bar called Slam Sports Bar across the street from Madison Square Garden in NYC .One of many new business ventures that the wrestling legend had been involved with as of late. It was also reported that Hogan was looking for local Poughkeepsie legends to appear on billboards to promote Real American Beer.

R.I.P. to a true wrestling icon, the biggest superstar to ever lace up a pair of boots. Hulkamania Forever.