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Ric Flair is speaking out after losing his close friend Hulk Hogan. On Thursday morning, TMZ reported that Hogan had passed away at 71 after he suffered a cardiac arrest in his home in Clearwater, Florida.
Medics were dispatched to the WWE icon’s Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday morning … with operators stating it was regarding a “cardiac arrest.
Cops tell us 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.
Flair spoke with TMZ about Hogan’s death and was an emotional wreck.
‘We were very close friends, and we kept up with each other on a regular basis…I just talked to Jimmy Hart yesterday and he was fine. To have this happen is just horrible.
“We had magic…We had a chemistry…We had an unbelievable relationship.”
#RicFlair spoke with TMZ about #HulkHogan in the minutes after the wrestling legend’s death … and he got super emotional remembering his good friend.#Exclusive story at the 🔗HERE: https://t.co/1s5PTQxHO9 pic.twitter.com/ssxjKjKi4T
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) July 24, 2025
Flair also posted a heartfelt message to Hogan on social media.
“I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan. Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business.” An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn’t Ask For Him To Be. He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend”