what happened to ben askren

Ben Askren, the former UFC fighter and Olympic wrestler, underwent a double lung transplant in mid-2025 after suffering severe lung damage from pneumonia caused by a staph bacterial infection. This sudden illness led to his hospitalization in Wisconsin in late May 2025. He was placed on a ventilator and eventually added to the lung transplant list on June 24, 2025. During his illness, Askren "died four times" as his heart stopped for around 20 seconds on multiple occasions. He lost about 50 pounds in just 45 days and was in critical condition, requiring life support before receiving the transplant. He has no memory of much of the ordeal, only later understanding its severity through his wife's journal. Askren was discharged from the hospital on July 22, 2025, after spending about two months in care. Post-transplant, he has been sharing updates showing a dramatic physical transformation and the challenges ahead, as he cannot yet walk without assistance and is rebuilding his strength. He expressed gratitude for the support from fans and friends, including financial help from Jake Paul to cover medical expenses. He is determined to recover fully and has a long road ahead but is optimistic about regaining his health and contributing positively in the future. His wife Amy played a crucial role in supporting him throughout the process. Askren's experience serves as a cautionary tale about the severity of bacterial infections and their potential consequences. In summary, Ben Askren's recent health crisis involved a life-threatening pneumonia followed by a double lung transplant, with a difficult yet hopeful recovery underway.