Donald Trump pays tribute to wrestler Hulk Hogan after death aged 71

US President Donald Trump has paid tribute to Hulk Hogan following the announcement of his death.

The family of the retired American professional wrestler, real name Terry Gene Bollea, confirmed his passing in a statement to US Weekly on Thursday (24th July).

A cause of death is yet to be officially confirmed.

It's no secret that Hogan was a fan of the Republican leader and even famously ripped off his shirt in support of him at the Republican National Convention last summer.

He has publicly supported Trump throughout his political career, appeared at rallies, and most recently was part of his re-election campaign.

Tributes have been pouring in from across the world after the tragic news broke, with WWE crediting Hogan as helping the brand 'achieve global recognition'.

Donald Trump has paid tribute to Hulk Hogan, following his death aged 71 (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

In a message posted to Twitter they wrote: "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."

And now, Trump himself has paid tribute to his 'great friend'.

Writing on his social media site Truth Social, the US President penned: "We lost a great friend today, the 'Hulkster'. Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.

"He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week. He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive.

"To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!"

Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr, has also paid tribute, sharing a selfie of himself and Hogan on social media.

The photo was taken at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

He wrote: "R.I.P to a legend. HULK HOGAN."

Hogan has publicly supported Trump, appearing at rallies and on the US election campaign trail last year (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The retired wrestler and actor was born in Augusta, Georgia, in August 1953 and grew up in Port Tampa, Florida, US.

He began his professional wrestling career in 1977 and gained worldwide recognition six years later in 1983 once he signed with WWE (WWF at the time).

Hogan won the WWF heavyweight title in 1984, which kicked off 'Hulkamania' and brought a lot of popularity to wrestling.

The star became one of the most recognisable faces of the brand and went on to headline eight of the first nine editions of the WWF's flagship annual event WrestleMania.

He is survived by his wife Sky Daily, his children Brooke and Nick, and his grandchildren Oliver and Molly.