🫁 “I DIED FOUR TIMES!” – Ben Askren’s Terrifying Double Lung Transplant & Incredible Comeback
Former UFC and Olympic wrestling standout Ben Askren has shared his most harrowing health ordeal yet—and it’s nothing short of miraculous.
🎥 The Emotional Update
In a tearful Instagram video from his hospital bed, Askren revealed he has no memory of the 35 days between May 28 and July 2, having relied on notes his wife Amy kept to piece together that period .
He said, “I only died four times” — his heart stopped briefly on four occasions, each about 20 seconds long.
Once recovered enough to step on a scale, he weighed in at 147 lbs, the lowest since age 15—a shocking 50-pound loss in just 45 days .
🚑 Medical Ordeal
In early June, Askren was hospitalized in Wisconsin, battling severe pneumonia from a staph infection. He required both a ventilator and ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) .
He was placed on the transplant list on June 24, underwent a double lung transplant on June 30, and is now in recovery .
🥲 Gratitude & Support
Askren described feeling like he attended his own funeral, moved by the outpouring of love from the wrestling and MMA communities
Several fellow fighters—including Dan Cormier, Henry Cejudo, and Tom Aspinall—sent heartfelt messages of solidarity as he works to regain strength.
UFC President Dana White and many others helped raise funds for his transplant. A generous anonymous donation worth £368,000 (~$500K) covered much of the surgery costs .
🔜 What’s Next?
Askren is learning to use everything again, gaining strength and focusing on healing. Once he’s stronger, he plans to return to coaching wrestling in Wisconsin, fuelled by a renewed zest to give back .
Why This Story Grabs You
Shocking revelations: Dying four times and losing half his body weight creates a compelling tension.
Emotional pull: His heartfelt gratitude and raw admission of near-death experience make it human.
Hopeful comeback: From ventilator to recovery, it’s a classic fighter’s story of resilience.
Final Take
Ben Askren’s health saga is a testament to modern medicine, community spirit, and the indomitable will of a fighter. He’s already overcome unimaginable odds—and now, with each day, he inches closer to walking back into the gym where he’ll inspire the next generation.
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