Ben Fogle recently shared a harrowing incident where his life flashed before his eyes after almost being hit by a delivery van near his home. The presenter, known for his adventurous spirit, has faced multiple near-death experiences throughout his career. From a gruelling year-long stay on a Scottish island during the series Castaway to contracting the flesh-eating bug Leishmaniasis in Peru, Ben has overcome various challenges. His adventures have also taken him to Antarctica, where he battled frostbite and hypothermia, and to the Mekong River in Laos, where he nearly drowned while fishing.
In 2009, Ben’s health scare with Leishmaniasis threatened to derail his trek to Antarctica, but he successfully completed the expedition despite facing multiple challenges. He also opened up about a ‘psychotic episode’ he experienced after his drink was spiked at a rural pub in The Cotswolds in 2013, highlighting the dangers of drink spiking. In 2018, Ben fulfilled a childhood dream of climbing Mount Everest in memory of his stillborn son, facing the ‘death zone’ alone after his climbing partner had to abandon the challenge.
More recently, in 2024, Ben shared another close call after nearly being hit by a delivery van, emphasizing the dangers of the 60mph speed limit in his village. He recounted the terrifying moment when the van skidded to a halt just feet away from him and his dog, causing his life to flash before his eyes. Ben expressed his concerns for the safety of his children, who have also had near misses on the same road, and initiated a petition to reduce the speed limit to prevent a potential fatality.
Despite the risks and challenges he has faced, Ben remains committed to raising awareness about safety issues in his community. He highlighted the need for a reduced speed limit in rural areas where pedestrians and cyclists share the road with fast-moving vehicles. From his early days on reality television to his daring expeditions to remote locations, Ben’s near-death experiences have shaped his perspective on life and inspired him to advocate for safer road conditions. Through his personal stories, he hopes to prevent tragedies and protect the well-being of his family and community.
