‘Dirty’ Dutch Mantell is fortunate to be alive after being given bad odds of surviving a recent medical emergency.
Mantell began his career in wrestling in the 1970s and would achieve success in various promotions, including the NWA. For more modern-day fans, Mantell is best known for his role as a manager. During WWE’s New Generation, he managed the Blu Brothers as Uncle Zebekiah and would manage Jack Swagger in the 2010s as Zeb Colter.
Dutch Mantell is Lucky to be Alive
On the most recent episode of his Storytime podcast, Mantell spoke about being unable to stay awake during his recent birthday and said his daughter Amanda noticed other signs something was wrong.
“She said I kept giving her gibberish answers that made no sense. She was looking at me funny and this continued for like an hour or two. Finally, she said there’s something wrong and she called 911 and they came and picked me up and I don’t even remember that.”
Mantell explained that he was battling E. Coli and sepsis and made it clear that if he hadn’t gone to the hospital, he would not be alive today. Mantell’s condition, which also included a fever, meant he struggled to remember much of what happened, but knew his odds of survival weren’t great.
“I was given medicine every three hours. This is what I don’t remember. I was given a blood transfusion. I don’t remember that, so it had to be serious. They did give me, I think I remember they said a 50/50 chance. I think. Don’t mark me down on that being the truth. I could have just imagined that.”
Mantell concluded by saying he was given a large selection of medicines and instructions on what to take and when. Mantell added that he believes part of the illness may have been self-induced as he has not been taking care of himself. Mantell said he’s hoping to avoid making the same mistake and is currently feeling good.
