WASHINGTON — Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has died, the WWE confirmed Thursday. Hogan was 71. 

“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s,” the wrestling promotion said in a post on social media. “WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

TMZ Sports was the first to report on his death Thursday morning. 

According to initial reports from TMZ, paramedics were called to the WWE legend’s home in Clearwater, Florida, Thursday morning. 

The celebrity-focused outlet reported that operators called in the incident as a “cardiac arrest.”

The wrestler’s manager, Chris Volo, told NBC Los Angeles that Hogan died at his home in Clearwater, surrounded by family.

Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, became a professional wrestler in 1977, but rose to international fame after signing with the World Wrestling Federation, which later became the WWE. 

Known for his flamboyant and heroic style in the ring, Hogan quickly became one of the most prolific wrestlers on the circuit, and helped usher in a boom in wrestling’s popularity in the 1980s. 

Hogan, with his signature horseshoe moustache and bandanas, is widely known as one of the most recognized wrestling stars in the world. He has been retired from active participation in the ring since 2012, but remained signed with WWE as a brand ambassador. 

Earlier this year, it was announced that Hogan would be the commissioner of a new venture called Real American Freestyle wrestling. Hogan’s Real American Beer was set to serve as the league’s title sponsor, and he had plenty of support.

Hogan said at the time that he knew some fans would be shocked that his next step wasn’t going to involve pro wrestling, but he was confident in his decision.

“The idea was so exciting that I get a chance to be involved with all these young people and help guide them in any way, especially to make them huge stars and create a future for them,” he said. “People might be surprised, but wrestling is wrestling, brother.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.