Ben Askren’s Heart Stopped Four Times, What Really Happened and How He Survived

A Life Nearly Lost, a Fighter’s Spirit Unbroken

On July 9, 2025, former MMA and wrestling champion Ben Askren, 40, shared his first public update since undergoing a double lung transplant. In an emotional Instagram video from his hospital bed, he described a terrifying ordeal where he said he “died four times,” with his heart stopping for about 20 seconds on each occasion.

Askren couldn’t recall anything between May 28 and July 2. He learned what happened only by reading through the handwritten journal his wife Amy kept while he was unconscious.

❤️‍🔥 Four Flatlines, One Fighter

Askren explained that his heart stopped not once, but four separate times. Each time, medical teams revived him quickly. Thanks to emergency care and a lung transplant, he pulled through.

“So, I only died four times, where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds. That’s not ideal,” Askren joked gently, though the weight of what he endured was clear in his tone.

⚖️ A 50-Pound Weight Drop and the Road to Recovery

In just over a month, Askren lost close to 50 pounds, dropping down to 147 pounds. That’s a weight he hadn’t seen since his high school wrestling days. The cause was a combination of severe pneumonia, a staph infection, and time spent sedated on life support.

Despite the physical toll, Askren’s spirit remains unshaken. He thanked his fans and fellow athletes for their overwhelming support, describing the experience as emotional and powerful.

“I felt like I got to have my own funeral,” he said. “The outpouring of love from the wrestling community was amazing.”

🏋️‍♂️ From Hospital to Comeback

Askren’s downward spiral began in early June after a sudden and aggressive lung infection. As his condition worsened, he was placed on both a ventilator and ECMO to support his failing lungs. Doctors informed his family that he would need a transplant to survive.

He underwent a double lung transplant in late June. Now, he’s focused on rehabilitation and physical therapy. Breathing independently, walking again, and gaining back strength are his top priorities.

🛡️ A Fighter’s Mindset in the Face of Mortality

Despite nearly dying, Askren is already thinking about the future. He said he is more motivated than ever to give back to the wrestling and MMA communities. He hopes to document the full journey with his wife Amy, including the moments he missed while unconscious.

“Maybe Amy and I can detail everything a little more,” he said, hinting at sharing more with his supporters.

How the MMA and Wrestling Worlds Reacted

From UFC veterans to Olympians, an outpouring of love came rushing in. Askren expressed heartfelt gratitude to his fans and former colleagues. The support was healing for him, especially as someone who has always been surrounded by competitive energy.

He called it one of the most moving and meaningful experiences of his life.

The Bigger Picture

Ben Askren’s story serves as a reminder that even elite athletes are vulnerable to health crises. It also highlights the importance of organ donation, fast emergency response, and having a strong community of support.

His journey speaks to resilience, family, and finding purpose in the face of tragedy. For many, his recovery is nothing short of inspirational.

🏁 What’s Next?

Askren’s recovery is ongoing. He’s working through therapy to rebuild his body and stamina. He has expressed excitement about returning to coaching wrestling and giving back through mentoring and public speaking.

“I’m more motivated than ever to keep giving. I love you guys, I appreciate you guys,” he said in closing.

🧩 Final Takeaway

Ben Askren didn’t just survive a transplant. He came back from the edge of death, four separate times, and is now focused on the next phase of life with gratitude, hope, and determination. His story isn’t just about lungs or fighting. It’s about how strength shows up when you need it most, and how the heart keeps beating when you have something to live for.