Outrage Erupts as Florida School Board Member Apologizes for ‘Celebrating’ Hulk Hogan’s Passing

The news of WWE legend Hulk Hogan’s passing sent ripples across the nation, drawing tributes from fans and celebrities alike. But in Alachua County, Florida, the reaction of one public official sparked outrage and soul-searching in the community.

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Sarah Rockwell, Chair of the Alachua County School Board, found herself at the center of a storm after making blunt comments on her personal Facebook account regarding the death of the wrestling icon. In a screenshot captured by The Alachua Chronicle, Rockwell’s account responded to news of Hogan’s passing with, “Oh did Hulk die? I didn’t even know. Good. One less MAGA in the world.” She went on to criticize Hogan’s legacy, accusing him of union-busting in professional wrestling and stating, “He’s never been a good guy. I feel absolutely nothing about his death.”

The remarks quickly spread through the community, prompting heated debate and disappointment among residents who felt the comments crossed a line—especially from someone entrusted with representing all students and families.

Realizing the impact of her words, Rockwell issued a public apology on Saturday via her Facebook page. “A few days ago, I made a cruel and flippant comment from my personal Facebook account on a friend’s post regarding the death of Hulk Hogan. I deeply regret making that comment and have since removed it,” she wrote. Rockwell emphasized that, despite her political disagreements with Hogan, she never intended to wish harm upon anyone. She acknowledged the pain her words caused and the erosion of trust in her leadership, pledging to work toward regaining the community’s confidence.

Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was not only a wrestling superstar but also a public supporter of former President Donald Trump. He had delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention just last year, further cementing his status as a prominent figure among conservative circles.

The controversy over Rockwell’s comments underscored the deep political divisions that can surface even in moments of mourning. For many, the episode was a reminder of the importance of empathy and restraint—especially from those in positions of public trust.

As the community continues to process both the loss of a pop culture icon and the fallout from Rockwell’s remarks, one thing is clear: words matter, and the responsibility of leadership extends far beyond the school boardroom.

Rockwell ended her statement with a promise to put students and families first, hoping to demonstrate through her actions the values she professes. Whether the community will accept her apology and move forward remains to be seen, but the incident has left an indelible mark on the local conversation about respect, leadership, and the power of words.