Brooke Hogan, the daughter of late wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, has shared an emotional and heartfelt tribute to her father on social media, nearly nine months after his tragic death. Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, passed away from a heart attack at the age of 71 in July of last year, leaving behind a legacy in the WWE and a complex family dynamic.
A Fractured Relationship and Devastating Loss
At the time of his death, Bollea had not spoken to his daughter Brooke, who is now 37 years old, for several years due to a fractured relationship. Despite this rift, Brooke was left utterly devastated by his passing. She admitted that when he suffered the fatal heart attack, it felt as though part of her spirit departed with him, highlighting the deep emotional impact of his loss.
Heartbreaking Social Media Post
Close to nine months since he was found dead at his five-bedroom mansion in Florida, Brooke took to Instagram to post a heartbreaking message about her father. She shared a black-and-white illustration depicting her dad holding her in his arms, accompanied by a poignant caption that read: 'If my love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.' This tribute underscores the enduring love and grief she continues to feel.
Reflections on Their Relationship
Brooke also opened up about their relationship in his final years during a recent appearance on the HGTV renovation show Rock the Block. She revealed that she had been called to participate in the show long before her father passed away but did not inform him because they were not on speaking terms. Tearing up, she expressed her uncertainty, wondering if her dad would have been proud of her accomplishments, noting that he was the one who encouraged her to obtain her real estate license.
Financial Matters and Inheritance
Hulk Hogan left behind nearly $5 million in assets for his beneficiaries after his death, but none of that money went to Brooke. Speaking to TMZ in September, Brooke stated that she was not shocked to be excluded from her father's will, as she had requested it. She emphasized that his decision was no surprise and that she stands by it with no regrets. Brooke added that she has been supporting herself through her own work and has overcome financial troubles in the past, asserting that money never mattered in their relationship.
Concerns Over His Death
Hogan was pronounced dead at a hospital less than 90 minutes after medics arrived at his home in Clearwater, Florida, responding to a call about a cardiac arrest on the morning of July 24. Police confirmed the cause of death as 'natural,' noting he had previous health issues including leukemia and atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm. However, in the days following his death, Brooke took to social media to seemingly accuse authorities of foul play by sharing an article questioning the quick cremation without an autopsy. The Clearwater Police Department later reiterated that there were no signs of foul play or anything suspicious about the death.
Brooke's tribute and reflections offer a raw glimpse into the personal struggles and enduring bond between a daughter and her iconic father, even amidst years of silence and unresolved issues.
