Latest news with #pneumonia
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Ben Askren: New Update Reveals Emotional Details on UFC Veteran's Ongoing Health Battle
Ben Askren: New Update Reveals Emotional Details on UFC Veteran's Ongoing Health Battle originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Health battles in combat sports don't always end when the final bell rings. For some fighters, the toughest rounds come long after the crowds have quieted and the lights have dimmed. These are the moments that reveal what heart truly looks like. In a sport defined by grit and resilience, fans recently received a heartfelt reminder that the most meaningful fights often take place far from the spotlight. And now, one veteran's family has offered a sobering update on an ongoing battle that continues behind the scenes. Advertisement On June 7, both the MMA and wrestling worlds were shaken by reports that Ben Askren, known for his wrestling dominance and outspoken personality, was in critical condition due to severe pneumonia. Ben AskrenGetty News of his situation spread rapidly, with fans and former fighters flooding social media in a show of unified support. Today, a deeply personal update was shared via his wife Amy's Instagram story, revealing the latest developments in his recovery. 'Ben has been in limbo for a while… Ben is still on a ventilator and ECMO to support him while he heals. There are good days and bad, and on the good days, they've been able to wean his sedation enough for him to open his eyes and squeeze hands… I'm still praying for a miracle with his current lungs, but they are currently starting the evaluation process for lung transplant… Please pray for his continued healing, and if transplant is the solution, that he can get on the list quickly and easily… Give your loved ones a hug today and make sure you're prepared for situations like this. Ben is the healthiest guy I know and I never could have expected this.' The veteran remains in critical condition, with signs of response but no full awakening. As transplant evaluations begin, the outpouring of support has not wavered. The wrestling and UFC communities continue to rally behind him—holding onto hope, offering strength, and standing united for one of their own. Advertisement Related: Team Makhachev Reveals UFC's Power Play to Elevate Ilia Topuria Related: UFC Champion Shares Hard Truth About Jon Jones: 'It's a Responsibility' This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
‘I'm praying for a miracle' – Ben Askren's wife reveals ex-UFC star might need lung transplant after battling pneumonia
BEN ASKREN'S wife is "praying for a miracle" as the former UFC star might need a lung transplant. Askren is in hospital on a ventilator fighting pneumonia following a staph (bacterial) infection. 3 His partner Amy said she "never could have expected" such an "awful situation" as her 40-year-old husband is "the healthiest guy I know". She issued an update on his condition via Facebook after he was moved from a hospital in Vegas to Wisconsin. Amy explained Ben's "critical" condition has seen so many ups and downs that doctors have begun the "evaluation process" for a lung transplant. She praised the support he's had from the MMA world and beyond. Amy also said: "I'm still praying for a miracle with his current lungs. "I know transplants are such a blessing and I'm overwhelmed at the thought of him receiving a gift like that. "No one would take better care of that gift than Ben. She also asked fans of her partner - aka "Funky" - to join her in praying for him. Amy added: "Thank you for every message and all of the support. "Despite this awful situation, I'm feeling so blessed by the community we're surrounded by." Ben Askren says Jake Paul is 'better than all of us anticipated' And she urged everyone to appreciate their health - but also be prepared for anything that could happen. Amy said: "Give your loved ones a hug today. "And make sure you're prepared [for] situations like this. "Ben is the healthiest guy I know and I never could have expected this." The ex-welterweight fighter was taken to hospital earlier this month after developing a lung problem and pneumonia following an infection. He was briefly "unresponsive" and has since been on a ventilator as well as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, which is like an artificial lung. Askren's friend, former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier, has spoken emotionally about his podcast host. He said: 'Pray for Amy, guys. Pray for the kids. Ben, we love you, buddy. 3 "We are constantly thinking about him every single day. 'I cannot wait for the next 'Funky and the Champ' because we'll talk about that so much more.' Last week Amy had to shut down unwelcome false rumours on social media that her husband had died She stressed to TMZ he was "definitely still fighting". Askren retired from MMA in 2019 after one win and two defeats. However, two years later he returned to ring action for a boxing match with YouTuber Jake Paul which he lost on a first-round KO.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
MMA champ facing lung transplant after sudden illness
Mixed martial arts veteran Ben Askren has been hospitalized with severe pneumonia and may require a lung transplant. His wife, Amy Askren, shared on Facebook that he is currently on a ventilator and ECMO for lung support. She said she is 'praying for a miracle with his current lungs', but an evaluation process for a lung transplant has begun. Askren, 40, was an Olympic wrestler and MMA champion who retired from combat sports in 2021. His wife said he fell ill very suddenly, stating he was previously very healthy.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Ben Askren's wife ‘praying for miracle' as MMA veteran battles pneumonia
Ben Askren 's wife has said she is 'praying for a miracle' while the mixed martial arts veteran awaits a potential lung transplant, as he battles 'severe pneumonia'. Askren, a former Olympic wrestler and MMA champion who later ventured into boxing, retired from combat sports in 2021 at the age of 36. Now, at just 40, the American is facing a complicated health issue. His wife Amy wrote on Facebook on 7 June: 'You may have heard that my husband Ben is going through something. He developed severe pneumonia which came on very suddenly. He's currently in the hospital and unable to respond to anything at this time. 'We welcome all prayers for healing and for peace. We are trying to keep life as normal as possible for our children currently and doing our best to support them thoughtfully so please refrain from discussing it with them for now.' On Tuesday (17 June), Amy posted again, writing: 'I haven't shared an update because Ben has been in limbo for a while and I was hoping to have him wake up and be the one to decide what to share. I've had some media people contact me that they are going to share an update and I would rather it come from me. 'Ben is still on a ventilator and ecmo [Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, a lung-support system] to support him while he heals. There are good days and bad, but on the good, they have been able to wean his sedation enough for him to open his eyes and squeeze hands. His body can't handle coming off sedation too much yet. 'I'm still praying for a miracle with his current lungs, but they are currently starting the evaluation process for lung transplant. Please pray for his continued healing, and if transplant is the solution, that he can get on the list quickly and easily. I know transplants are such a blessing and I'm overwhelmed at the thought of him receiving a gift like that. 'No one would take better care of that gift than Ben. Thank you for every message and all of the support. Despite this awful situation, I'm feeling so blessed by the community we're surrounded by. Give your loved ones a hug today and make sure you're prepared situations like this. 'Ben is the healthiest guy I know and I never could have expected this.' Askren went to the 2008 Olympics as a Team USA wrestler, before beginning an MMA career in which he won the Bellator and ONE welterweight titles and stayed unbeaten until his final two fights. His last three fights all took place in the UFC in 2019, as he submitted Robbie Lawler before suffering a record-setting five-second knockout by Jorge Masvidal and a submission by Demian Maia. Askren then boxed once, facing YouTuber Jake Paul in 2021 and falling to a first-round knockout. He has not competed in any combat sport since.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Boy, 5, died of sepsis after doctors 'race against the clock' to save him
A family was left 'devastated' after their young son died of septic shock in hospital, an inquest has heard. Pak Lam Law was just five years old when he tragically passed away at around 10am on December 5th 2023 at Tameside Hospital, Stockport Coroners Court heard today (June 17). He had been admitted to the hospital the previous afternoon after being transferred there from Salford Royal Infirmary, where he had been diagnosed with pneumonia. READ MORE: Busy road in Greater Manchester area to close for six months READ MORE: A Lamborghini, designer watches and dirty cash - 'TupacDon' gang smashed on the M61 as cops open secret compartment His condition worsened through the night and despite repeated medical intervention he went into cardiac arrest just before 9:30am and died just before 10am after three rounds of CPR. Senior area coroner Alison Mutch began proceedings by reading a statement from Pak's mother Li Lai Ma. The parents, who were spoken to via a Cantonese interpreter throughout proceedings, left the room while the distressing account was read out. "Pak was a healthy, joyful baby who brought immense happiness to the family," his mother said in her statement. "He was a cheerful, talkative and intelligent child who loved animals and playing with Spiderman toys." "We moved to the UK 12 months before his death and he adapted well. He was all a parent could hope for - thriving and full of life." Ms Mutch then read statements from Pak's GP, the 111 operator who had triaged the family over the phone, the radiologist who had taken an x-ray of Pak at Salford Royal and the NWAS driver who had transferred the family to Tameside, before turning to the facts of the post-mortem. The examination found that Pak had died of multi-organ dysfunction caused by septic shock, itself brought on by invasive pneumococcal pneumonia. There was evidence of fluid in his right lung and in his chest. Pak had been suffering with stomach pains, vomiting and a high temperature for several days when his parents first brought him to Salford Royal Infirmary on November 30 2023. That evening doctors diagnosed him with an upper respiratory tract infection and gastroenteritis, and advised Pak's parents to continue treating him at home with ibuprofen and Calpol. If he did not improve after five days, the family was told to return to hospital - but Li Lai Ma said that no antibiotics were administered, nor were blood samples taken. "At that moment I felt that something was not right. My fears and concerns were dismissed,' she alleged. At home, Pak's condition did not improve, as he continued to vomit and his appetite 'disappeared'. The family returned to Salford Royal A&E in the early hours of December 4 with Pak extremely pale and barely managing to drink water. Upon arrival nurses recorded his blood oxygen, blood pressure and temperature, and an x-ray was ordered. He was periodically reviewed throughout the night. At 8:30am he was reviewed by Dr Anna Rennie, a consultant in paediatric and emergency medicine at Salford Royal. In her statement she noted that Pak had no rash and presented normal levels of consciousness, but added that he seemed tired and was 'working harder than normal' to breathe on his right-hand side. Reviewing the x-ray taken overnight, Dr Rennie diagnosed Pak with right-sided pneumonia, and placed him on intravenous antibiotics and a rehydration treatment. But she explained to the court that, as Salford Royal does not have any paediatric ward beds that can accommodate children for more than 24 hours, Pak was transferred to the nearest available bed which was at Tameside Hospital. As Pak's level of risk was assessed as yellow, he did not receive IV treatment during the transfer nor were any medical personnel present - but Dr Rennie deemed that this would be safe for a half-hour journey. 'What was your overall impression of him, looking back?' asked the coroner. 'I did not feel he was septic, but I was concerned about his risk of deterioration, and that includes sepsis,' Dr Rennie replied. 'Any child with pneumonia is at risk of that.' She added that a 'full set' of notes was sent over with every transferred patient and that a verbal 'clinician to clinician' conversation took place in which she informed staff at Tameside hospital of Pak's history and any concerns she had. 'It was expressly mentioned that I felt concerned about him,' she continued. 'any clinician with sufficient training will recognise that a child with pneumonia is at risk of sepsis.' 'What was the name of the person you spoke to?' the coroner asked. 'Unfortunately I didn't get their name,' Dr Rennie answered. 'That is something I have reflected on following this case.' The family were then transferred to Tameside Hospital, arriving at around 2pm on December 4. Registered paediatric nurse and ward manager Holly Martin, who did not come into contact with Pak until her shift began on the morning of December 5, detailed in her report how nurses had taken observations of Pak's progress throughout the night. The court heard how he continued to receive antibiotics and hydrating fluids via an IV, but his condition continued to worsen. His heart and breathing rate continued to climb, while he remained by turns drowsy and agitated, not responding to light shone in his eyes. Coroner Mutch asked Ms Martin about the observations the nurses took, which are used to calculate the PEWS score, a paediatric early warning system used to monitor deterioration in patients. Ms Martin agreed that some of the notes were incomplete. 'How do you create a PEWS score when some observations, such as blood pressure, are not recorded?' the coroner asked. 'The old scoring system did not require all these elements in order to create a score,' Ms Martin replied. 'We have since moved to a different system.' There was also discussion of the 'sepsis bundle', a set of treatments and checks designed to reduce sepsis mortality. 'Was the bundle used in Pak's case? ' the coroner asked. 'I do not believe so, based on the notes,' came the reply. 'Should it not have been, when his PEWS score went from 2 to 5 between 2:30 and 4am? The doctor notes suggest that around 4:30am there was a clinical review from the registrar – is that what the nursing notes suggest?' Ms Mutch continued. 'They show that there was further medical review but it's not clear at what time. It's not in the documents,' Ms Martin replied. Counsel for the family Louise Green focused on the frequency of the nurses' observations. 'Do you agree that it looks like no nursing observations took place between 8pm and 12:30am?' she asked Ms Martin. 'That is what the documents would appear to show,' she replied. At around 6:30am on December 5 Pak was moved to the high-care bed in the paediatric unit. NWTS (North West Paediatric Transport Service) and the on-call paediatric consultant, Dr Mazen Haider, were called in. Dr Haider had began his shift at 5pm on December 4 and went home at 8pm, remaining on-call overnight until 9am the following day. Overnight he had discussed Pak with the hospital registrar, who told him he had become less responsive and was now vomiting a dark brown substance. 'What was it that caused you to recognise that Pak was in septic shock?' the coroner asked. 'The repeated administering of fluids and the repeated tachycardia (heart rate over 100bpm),' he replied. 'The registrar had taken several steps to manage his condition.' Dr Haider stressed that, when he arrived for his shift the previous evening, none of Pak's observations were consistent with sepsis. 'Before I left I asked the staff if they had concerns about anyone – and no-one did at that time.' His notes clarified that Pak was treated throughout the night but it did not appear to be having an effect, though there was no significant deterioration until around 5:30am. 'You did not get the phone call until 45 minutes later though,' said the coroner. 'At that point it was quite clear that it was septic shock – it is now a race against the clock, is it not?' 'Yes,' Dr Haider agreed. But he also spoke of the difficulty in diagnosing sepsis. 'Discoloured vomit could be stress,' he said. 'And any child who has vomited will be looking pale.' 'Pneumonia is common but the sepsis progression is rare, and progression into septic shock even rarer,' he added. Dr Haidar arrived at the hospital at around 7:15 am when Pak was given an oxygen mask to help him breathe. He was intubated and given adrenaline but he entered cardiac arrest. In her statement read out at the start of proceedings, Pak's mother Li Lai Ma said she 'strongly felt there were missed opportunities' for staff to help Pak and 'possibly save his life.' 'When he was given an oxygen mask, he was clearly distressed and weak, but was trying to speak and say something,' she said. 'I will never forget the image of him struggling to speak while they covered his mouth again and again. That moment is burned into my mind.' 'I told him to fight and be strong so he could come home with us. After the final cardiac arrest I started shouting at them to keep going but the doctor said he was gone. 'We were both just devastated. We all said goodbye and just held each other. Our healthy, happy child, it felt impossible to understand.' 'My son was misdiagnosed and critical opportunities to save his life were missed. I strongly believe that had a consultant been informed earlier, his death could have been prevented. 'It was a serious infection but they did not escalate his care and did not listen when I told them something was wrong. 'All I want is for the real reason for his death to be known and for the court to look into the treatment from the staff involved. They did not take their responsibility seriously enough.' Like the other witnesses, Dr Haider offered his 'deepest condolences' to the family at the end of his statement. 'I want them to know that we did all we could to save him,' he said. The inquest continues.
