Brooke Hogan Honors Father Hulk Hogan in Beach Tribute, Skips Funeral

Hulk Hogan’s funeral service took place on July 24, 2023, in Florida, attended by many friends and family. Notably absent was his daughter, Brooke Hogan, who chose to spend the day with her children at the beach, a place that held special significance for her father, whose real name was Terry Bollea.

Brooke explained her decision to forgo the funeral in an emotional post on Instagram. She stated, “My father hated the morbidity of funerals. He didn’t want one.” She expressed gratitude for the celebrations of his life organized by others but felt a personal need to honor him in her own way. “I had to make my own decision to honor him the best and most genuine way I knew how … privately … the way that made me feel the closest to him,” she wrote.

In her post, Brooke shared several photos from her beach outing with her husband, former NHL player Steve Olesky, and their infant twins. Reflecting on the day, she noted, “The only thing missing today was him in his pop-up lawn chair watching the waves … and the sunset.” The heartfelt tribute underscored the deep connection she felt with her father, even in his absence.

Family Dynamics and Recent Reconnection

While Brooke had been estranged from her father in recent years, she revealed that they had recently reconnected through phone conversations concerning his health issues. She shared a touching message, saying, “Daddy, we honored you in the simplest way that agreed with my soul.” In a nod to her father’s affectionate nickname for her, she added, “Molly loved the water. I think she’ll be a ‘little fish’ as you called me.”

Hulk Hogan passed away from an acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, as confirmed by the Pinellas County Forensic Science Center. He was 71 years old at the time of his death. The records also revealed that he had a history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a type of cancer affecting white blood cells, which had not been publicly disclosed prior to this.

Memorable Moments at the Funeral

The funeral service took place at the Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Largo, Florida, where many of Hogan’s relatives and friends gathered to pay their respects. Among the attendees was Bam Margera, a former professional skateboarder and star of the television series “Jackass.” Margera shared a photograph of a cloud formation that appeared to resemble Hogan’s signature pose—flexing his right arm while pointing skyward with his left—suggesting a spiritual presence at the service.

Brooke Hogan’s choice to honor her father in her own way resonates with many who have experienced loss. Her reflection on their relationship and her personal tribute serves as a reminder of the many forms of grief and remembrance.