Shocking mistake – The star athlete wasn’t dead after all
Rumors of the death of martial artist Ben Askren spread online on Wednesday. Askren is still alive.
Ben Askren, 40, who rose to global fame as an Olympic-level wrestler and UFC fighter, recently fell ill with severe pneumonia.
The pneumonia of a US martial artist was caused by a staphylococcal infection.
Askren’s wife, Amy, wrote on social media last week that her husband was in critical condition in a Las Vegas hospital.
On Thursday, rumors began to spread on social media about Askren’s death.
Language barrier
The rumors started with a social media post by Brazilian UFC fighter Caio Borralho, in which he wrote “RIP Ben Askren” or “rest in peace, Ben Askren”.
Borralho’s update was visible on social media for several hours.
Later, the Brazilian deleted his update and said he had misunderstood. He had seen a social media update from UFC fighter Maycee Barber, who Askren knew, in which Barber wrote about her feelings and wished Askren a speedy recovery.
Borralho’s misunderstanding was due to a language barrier. However, the damage had already been done, and many began spreading unconfirmed information about Askren’s death online.
Wife comments
For example, The Sun now writes that Askren is not dead, but is currently being treated in Wisconsin.
Former UFC heavyweight star Daniel Cormier, who did a podcast with Askren, also rushed to deny the rumors on Thursday night. Cormier said that Askren has been transferred from one hospital to another and is still battling a serious illness.
TMZ Sports received confirmation from those close to the actor when the site reached out to his wife Amy for comment.
– He is definitely still fighting, came the reply.
Top Wrestler
Known as “Funky,” Askren retired from professional MMA in 2019. He won 19 fights and lost twice as a professional. He fought three times in the UFC, and both of his career losses came in the number one MMA organization.
After his freestyle career, Askren fought against boxer Jake Paul, known as a showman, in the ring in 2021, but lost the boxing match.
In freestyle wrestling, Askren’s strength was in wrestling, as before becoming a freestyle wrestler, he represented the United States in wrestling at the 2008 Olympic Games, among other things.
