Linda Hogan, ex-wife of WWE legend Hulk Hogan, has spoken out following a death hoax that circulated online. Reports claiming the 71-year-old had died were quickly denied by his representatives.
The false reports emerged after emergency services were reportedly called to Hogan's home in Clearwater, Florida, early Thursday morning. TMZ initially claimed he had suffered a cardiac arrest and was taken to hospital on a stretcher.
Just days before the hoax, Linda, 65, shared a nostalgic throwback photo with Hogan on Instagram, captioning it “The good old days.” The image, from 1996, shows the former couple at the NATPE Convention in Las Vegas. Fans later described the post as eerie given the subsequent rumours.
Hogan's representative had previously dismissed claims he was gravely ill, stating his recent neck surgery was successful and there was “no reason to panic.” The wrestler had been recovering at home after a fusion procedure, which led to speculation about his health.
Linda and Hogan were married from 1983 to 2009 and starred in the reality show Hogan Knows Best. The hoax comes after months of unsubstantiated rumours about Hogan's wellbeing, including a false report that he was on his deathbed.
