MMA star Ben Askren says he 'died 4 times' and received double lung transplant
Share this @internewscast.com

Former Olympic wrestler and MMA star Ben Askren is revealing details about his recent severe health challenges, including that he “died four times” and had a double lung transplant.

In an Instagram video posted on July 9, he shared that the incident occurred from May 28 to July 2, and he has no memories from that period.

“I actually read through my wife’s journal because… (I have) no recollection, zero idea, no idea what happened,” he stated in a video of himself in a hospital bed.

“It’s like a movie. It’s ridiculous. So I only died four times, or the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds,” he continued. “That’s not ideal. You guys know that, but I got the double lung transplant. I made it to the other side of it, gaining quite a bit of strength. We’re going to use everything again.”

Askren has been in a Wisconsin hospital with pneumonia, the Associated Press reported. He coughed and struggled at times to speak in the video, where he said he’s lost 50 pounds over the span of 45 days.

“I was actually, honestly, yesterday, 147 pounds. I haven’t been 147 pounds since (I was) 15 years old,” he said.

Askren reiterated, “I don’t remember most of it,” and said the “most impactful” thing “was the love I felt from everybody.”

“It’s almost like I got to have my own funeral,” he added.

Askren, who was born in 1984, also vowed to work hard on his road to recovery.

“I’m more motivated than ever to get back and do what I can to help out the best I can to help out,” he said. “I love you guys, I appreciate you guys. It’s been tough, not only on me, but my whole family and my close community.”

Askren also posted a photo of himself in bed that was shared by MMA Uncensored, which said he had four heart attacks.

In 2019, Askren announced his retirement from MMA with a 19-2-1 record.

Prior to that, he won two NCAA Division I national championships while wrestling at the University of Missouri. He also was on the United States’ wrestling team at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

According to his social media, the champion wrestler and MMA fighter suffered from a severe case of pneumonia and has been in the hospital for several weeks.

His wife, Amy, said in early June on social media that her husband was in the hospital in critical condition and required a ventilator due to a staph infection. She also shared that he would likely need a lung transplant.He was placed on the organ donor list on June 24.

In Askren’s July 9 update, he shared that he’d had four heart attacks and had received a double-lung transplant. He also said he’s lost 147 pounds over the past month and a half due to his health issues.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

US Navy Conducts Strategic Strike on Suspected Drug-Trafficking Vessel, Pete Hegseth Reports

In a recent announcement, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed that the United…

South Korea Targets Arrest of Numerous Online Scam Suspects Returned from Cambodia

SEOUL – In a significant legal move, South Korean authorities are pushing…

StormTeam 3 Forecast: Sunshine Set to Dominate Weather All Week

SAVANNAH, Ga – Good morning! This is StormTeam 3 Meteorologist Alysa Carsley…

82-Year-Old Poised to Become Oldest Individual to Ascend to Mt. Everest Base Camp

In an inspiring display of endurance and determination, 82-year-old David McClung from…

Foiled Attack: Man Arrested at Atlanta Airport After Tip-Off Prevents Tragedy

A man accused of plotting to carry out a shooting at Hartsfield-Jackson…

Newport Officer Faces Charges of Domestic Assault and Unlawful Detention

NEWPORT, Tenn. (WATE) — Newport Police Officer Brandon Cassady has been charged…

RCSO Deputy Arrested and Terminated Over Alleged Street Gang Involvement and Felony Charges

AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office revealed on Monday…

Why Controlling Coyote Numbers Is More Challenging Than You Think: Insights from UGA’s Latest Study

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — A recent study has revealed that coyote populations…

Central Illinois Eases Burn Bans Following Weekend Rainfall: What Residents Need to Know

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Following a welcome downpour over the weekend, several…

Trump Pledges Ambitious Agreement with China Following Upcoming Meeting with Xi

WASHINGTON – On Monday, President Donald Trump confidently asserted that the United…

Osceola County’s Crucial Vote: New Subdivision Proposal on Overcrowded Narcoossee Road Sparks Debate

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Concerns are mounting regarding the escalating traffic congestion…

LA Mayor Demands Accountability as Immigration Crackdown Intensifies

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is slated to speak on Monday regarding…