Ben Askren Returns To Hospital After Chest Infection

July 29, 2025

4 months

X: @Benaskren https://x.com/Benaskren/status/1949948359130722357

Ben Askren has been hospitalized again following a chest infection, which came shortly after the news that he had come home.

Askren had been in the hospital after suffering from a 58-day battle with pneumonia, which began in June. The condition had deteriorated to the point where he required a double lung transplant. During this whole ordeal, Askren had flatlined four times, lost 50 pounds, and experienced memory issues.

“We went one day and I thought it was a back spasm. I got medicine, and it didn’t work at all. So we went back the next day. I remember walking in, and that’s it. I had my surgery on June 28. I don’t think I came to until July 1 or so. It’s a huge chunk of time in there where I don’t remember anything.

“I had a lot of pain in my back. I’ve had back spasms before, so I kind of thought that’s what it was. Honestly, thank God for my wife. Because I was kind of fighting it. I was like, ‘No, I’m going to watch this guy at the Bitcoin conference. I don’t want to go to the hospital. It’s one of those things where had I waited another hour or something, it might’ve been a wrap,” Askren stated

Amy Askren, his wife, also stated that he could have died. Despite the setback, Askren is focused on getting back to his best.

Askren Reacts

Update #6- not all sunshine and rainbows. pic.twitter.com/lGbyYhxYID
— Funky 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@Benaskren) July 28, 2025

“Well, as you guys can probably tell, I’m not home anymore, unfortunately. I had my first checkup this morning [July 28]. They didn’t like the way the last chest tube looked. Thought it was infected, put me on some antibiotics, and then, had a few X-rays. Hopefully get this solved fast.

“Stockdale Paradox; it wasn’t always gonna be smooth. It wasn’t always gonna be easy. It wasn’t gonna always be all the way up. So, hopefully, this is a small hiccup, then I’m back home getting stronger again. I thought you guys [would] appreciate the update,” Askren said

The news has understandably drawn a strong reaction, with many fans sending their wishes for a speedy recovery.