"So Glad I got to meet you” - Hailey Welch aka ‘Hawk Tuah Girl’ makes tribute to Hulk Hogan following his death at 71

Legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan died on Thursday, July 24, at 71. Hailey Welch, who is known as the 'Hawk Tuah girl,' also shared her tribute to him.

As per TMZ, Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, had a cardiac arrest on Thursday morning. Medics were informed, and they reached his residence in Clearwater, Florida. They transported him to a hospital in an ambulance, but he was pronounced dead upon reaching.

Tributes from all over the world have poured in, including one from Hailey Welch. She shared an image of herself with Hogan on her Instagram account and wrote in the caption,

"Rip to the legend, so glad I got to meet you🪽"

In the picture is also seen Sky Daily, Hogan's third wife, whom he married in 2023.

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More about Hulk Hogan's death and WWE tribute

WWE 20th Anniversary Celebration Marking Premiere Of WWE Friday Night SmackDown On FOX - (Image Source: Getty)

As per TMZ, Terry Bollea was dealing with several health issues in the last few months. On Thursday, a call was made to the local paramedics from his residence about a cardiac arrest at around 9:51 am. The Clearwater Fire & Rescue personnel arrived and tried to treat him.

Some paramedics were also seen performing chest compressions on the 71-year-old as they took him into the emergency vehicle. However, he was pronounced dead upon reaching the hospital.

Clearwater Police Maj. Nate Burnside confirmed Hogan's death and asserted there were "no signs of foul play or suspicious activity" in a news conference.

WWE put out a statement on Thursday, mourning the death of one of their biggest superstars, writing on social media:

"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. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans."

Hulk Hogan was one of the biggest wrestling stars of the 1980s and 1990s. He helped make WWE (then WWF) a global sensation. In 1984, he launched 'Hulkamania,' which became hugely popular. His red and yellow outfit and headband became iconic among fans. In 1996, he started the New World Order, which was also a big hit. Hogan won 12 championships during his career.

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Hulk Hogan was a two-time Hall of Fame inductee due to racist remarks

The legendary wrestler was first inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

However, in 2015, a video was released that showed Hogan making racist remarks against his daughter Brooke's partner. The video, released by the National Enquirer, led to massive outrage and the wrestler being removed from Hall of Fame.

In a statement in 2015, Hogan apologised for his actions, and exclusively told PEOPLE:

“This is not who I am. I believe very strongly that every person in the world is important and should not be treated differently based on race, gender, orientation, religious beliefs or otherwise. I am disappointed with myself that I used language that is offensive and inconsistent with my own beliefs.”

Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame again in 2020, this time as a member of the New World Order.

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