Fraser Olender is on the mend after suffering a heart attack caused by vaping. The Below Deck chief stew revealed the news in a December 5 Instagram post that included photos from his November hospital stays in Las Vegas and London.
“I was rushed to [the] hospital due to severe chest pains and difficulties breathing,” he began. “Following this, I spent a week in London hospitals seeing specialists to identify the cause and possible damage of the incident. To keep it simple – I had vape poisoning.”
Fraser Olender details his health diagnosis
Doctors diagnosed Fraser with an E-cigarette or Vaping-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI), a respiratory condition that can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of a stroke or heart attack. According to the American Heart Association, EVALI symptoms include “shortness of breath, fever, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, rapid heart rate and chest pain.” More than 50% of EVALI patients require treatment in the intensive care unit.
“I have never experienced fear or pain like it,” he said. “Whatever was in my vape caused me to have a coronary artery vasospasm. Medically, that means the arteries supplying blood to my heart suddenly clamped down. That spasm reduced blood flow enough to cause an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), better known as a heart attack – not because of a blockage, but because my heart wasn’t getting enough oxygen during the spasm.”
Fraser Olender pledges to never vape again: “Ridiculously stupid”
Fraser told fans he was on the road to recovery and has abstained from vaping for the past three-plus weeks. Since giving up the habit, Fraser has already noticed positive physical changes, like “better, brighter and clearer” skin.
“This is not chic but very important for me to share,” he wrote. “I’m sharing this because I never realised something like this could happen. If this experience can help even one person rethink vaping, it’s worth telling. I haven’t touched a vape since this happened and never will.”
He continued: “I could have died for the sake of something so ridiculously stupid, so please do yourselves a favour and give it up too – cold turkey. We do not know enough about these horrific things but I can tell you one thing; that was NOT cute, not even for the plot.”
Bravolebrities react to Fraser Olender’s hospitalization
Fraser’s post was immediately flooded with well-wishes from fans and Bravolebrities, like The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills‘ Sutton Stracke, The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City‘s Meredith Marks, The Valley‘s Janet Caperna, and her castmate Zack Wickham.
“Wowwwwwwww I’m so glad you’re okay!!!” wrote Below Deck alum Kate Chastain.
“No way! You have been blessed,” added Below Deck Mediterranean’s Captain Sandy Yawn.
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The love was so strong that Fraser returned to Instagram on Saturday, December 6, to address all the kind, supportive words.
“I cannot believe the response I’ve had from this post. I cannot believe how many people have experienced similar things,” he said. “Please continue to share it and spread the word. I don’t want anyone to go through what I did, but I’m so pleased that I’m well… I love you all. Thank you so much. And please do not vape. Please be chic. It’s Week 3 of me not being a moron and vaping.”
Matt Rogers remained by Fraser Olender’s side during his health scare
Fraser’s post also included a clip of his boyfriend, Matt Rogers, sitting by his side at the hospital. The two confirmed their relationship in November following their appearance at BravoCon 2025.
Fraser touched on his health scare and budding romance in a November 17 Instagram post. He revealed he began experiencing breathing issues and chest pains during the three-day Las Vegas event and was rushed to the emergency room.
“A very special human stayed with me until 5am,” he wrote. “I laid there useless, attached to multiple machines and pumped with meds – sooo grateful for him, the nurses and the docs!”
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Matt was among those who offered a few words of encouragement: “Healthy like an ox, unbreakable, hot, etc,” the Las Culturistas Culture Awards co-host commented.
Find out what Andy Cohen had to say about Fraser and Matt’s relationship.
Any health-related information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, or before embarking on any diet, exercise, or wellness program.
