Hulk Hogan’s Friend Jimmy Hart Denied Reports the WWE Star Was Sick Just 2 Days Before His Death

Hulk Hogan’s death on Thursday comes just two days after the professional wrestling icon’s close friend tried to cool off rumors that he was ill.

Hogan died Thursday, July 24 at the age of 71, WWE confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE. The Clearwater Police Department said in a statement that officers responded to a 911 call for a cardiac arrest before Hogan was taken to a local hospital where he later was pronounced dead.

Rumors spread last month that the WWE Hall of Famer had been hospitalized and was dangerously ill, leading media representatives to tell E! News there was “no reasons to panic” over Hogan’s death, despite reports he was “on his deathbed.” 

And just two days ago, Hogan’s former on-screen manager and close friend Jimmy Hart took to social media to assure fans that Hogan was doing “great” in light of the reports.

“Hulk is doing great, doing phenomenal!” Hart wrote about Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea. “Last night at karaoke with Nick was absolutely fantastic, baby!!!”

The controversial WWE and WCW star also spoke out about his health during an appearance on Logan Paul’s “IMPAULSIVE” podcast last September, explaining that he’s had roughly 25 surgeries over the last 10 years.

“I’ve had like 25 surgeries in the last ten years — 10 of them were back surgeries,” the 12-time world champion explained. “I’ve had 10 back surgeries, both knees and both hips replaced, shoulders—everything.”

Hogan is arguably the most popular pro wrestler in the history of the business. A flawed hero, Hogan’s reputation as wrestling ultimate “good guy” took a hit multiple times throughout his career, first lying about steroid use, then later being involved in a notorious sex-tape scandal and then having been exposed as using racist language.

Upon his return to WWE earlier this year, Hogan was loudly booed by the audience – marking his last appearance on television with the company where he was long the top star.

Hogan is survived by his wife Sky Daily and his ex-wives Linda Hogan and Jennifer McDaniel, as well as children Brooke and Nick Hogan.

“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the pro wrestling company told PEOPLE. “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.”