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Ben Askren Awakens After Double Lung Transplant, Details Four Cardiac Arrests

Askren’s video reveals his struggle to rebuild strength after losing 50 pounds to staph-related pneumonia.

Ben Askren poses during weigh ins for Triller Fight Club at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on April 16, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Overview

  • In a video posted July 9, Askren said his heart stopped four times for about 20 seconds each during his hospital ordeal.
  • He lost roughly 50 pounds over 45 days, dropping to 147 pounds after battling severe pneumonia from a staph infection.
  • Askren has no memory of events from May 28 to July 2 and relied on his wife Amy’s journal to piece together his experience.
  • A £368,000 anonymous donation funded his double lung transplant on June 30 after his insurer had denied coverage.
  • Now awake and relearning to breathe on his own, Askren is regaining strength and plans to return to coaching youth wrestling in Wisconsin.