Flags in the Sunshine State are being flown at half-staff Friday in honor of Hulk Hogan, the professional wrestler who died from a heart attack last week at the age of 71.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) also proclaimed Aug. 1 as “Hulk Hogan Day” and called the wrestler a “true Floridian.”
“His larger-than-life personality will be missed, as the ‘Hulkster’ was an icon for many who grew up in the 80s and 90s as well as today,” DeSantis wrote in a statement. “He was a true Floridian through and through.”
The WWE star, whose real name is Terry Bollea, spoke at the Republican National Convention in June to a raucous and enthusiastic crowd where he ripped off his shirt with his bare hands. His death last week prompted mourning and condolences from the party’s leaders, including President Trump.
“We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’ Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart,” Trump wrote on Truth Social last week.
“He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week,” he added. “He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive.”
Vice President Vance called the wrestler a “a great American icon.”
“The last time I saw him we promised we’d get beers together next time we saw each other,” he wrote on social platform X. “The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend!”
Hogan’s life was not without controversy. In 2013, he sued the website Gawker Media after the online publication released portions of an adult film with him and Heather Clem, who was married at the time to a radio host. He was also captured on the tape saying a racial slur. The wrestler later apologized.
