Nick Hogan Calls Dad Hulk ‘Hero’ and ‘Best Friend’ in Touching Tribute

Hulk Hogan‘s son has finally addressed his dad’s passing … breaking his silence with a heartfelt post to Instagram late Saturday night.

Nick Hogan dropped a ton of photos from over the years with his dad … starting from when he was just a kid and his dad ruled the squared-circle and continuing to their time advertising Hulk’s beer brand “Real American” together.

Nick starts out his caption by thanking everyone for their well-wishes during this difficult time … and for telling so many wonderful stories about his dad in the days since his shocking death.

Hogan then goes into what his dad meant to him … calling Hulk his “hero” and the “greatest dad in the world” — who was also a best friend and mentor to him.

Nick adds, “I thanked him for everything he has ever done for me and told him how much I loved him and hugged him every chance I got. I spent a lot of time with him the past few years after moving back to Florida to be closer to him and I am so grateful for those memories. They are the best moments in my life.”

NH finishes off the statement by saying he’d do anything to get his dad back … but, he’s grateful to know he’s got a guardian angel like Hulk looking out for him now.

We broke the story … medics were called to Hulk’s home in Clearwater, Florida Thursday — and, video captured them frantically performing chest compressions as they transported him to the ambulance. Hogan was pronounced dead at the hospital.