Fraser Olender Hospitalized After Vaping Incident; Matt Rogers Updates Fans

Fraser Olender, a star of the reality series Below Deck, recently revealed that he suffered a heart attack attributed to vaping. His boyfriend, Matt Rogers, provided an update on Olender’s condition during the December 9, 2023 episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, stating, “He’s doing much better.” Rogers expressed gratitude to those concerned for Olender’s health.

Olender, aged 33, shared details of his health scare in an Instagram post on December 5, 2023. He described experiencing severe chest pains and difficulties breathing, which led to his hospitalization in London. During his week-long stay, medical specialists diagnosed him with “vape poisoning,” a condition he had never encountered before.

In his post, Olender explained that the incident stemmed from a coronary artery vasospasm. This occurs when the blood vessels supplying the heart constrict suddenly, significantly reducing blood flow. He clarified that this spasm resulted in an ST-elevation myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, not due to a blockage but because of insufficient oxygen reaching his heart during the episode.

“The pain I endured for 24 hours was inexplicable,” Olender recounted. “Two rounds of morphine didn’t touch the sides, and I eventually had to be given the strongest pain relief legal to administer in ER—and that only brought my pain from a 10 to a 7.” He emphasized the serious nature of his experience, urging others to reconsider their vaping habits. “I could have died for the sake of something so ridiculously stupid, so please do yourselves a favor and give it up too—cold turkey,” he advised.

Olender’s message resonated with his followers, as he reflected on the importance of health and safety. He concluded his post with a positive note about his recovery, stating, “It’s been nearly three weeks off the vape—my skin has never been better, brighter and clearer; there MUST be a correlation.”

Rogers, 35, has also shared insights into their relationship, noting the unexpected trajectory of their romance during an appearance on Tommy DiDario’s podcast, I’ve Never Said This Before. He mentioned that transitioning their relationship to a public platform was not a deliberate effort but rather a natural progression, sparked by the joy he finds in their connection.

Both Olender and Rogers have become more open about their experiences and health in the public eye. Their narratives not only highlight personal struggles but also serve as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with vaping. As they focus on recovery and relationship growth, their story encourages others to prioritize their health and make informed choices.