Jon Gosselin Narrowly Escapes Death From Blood Clot Emergency

Reality star faces $20,000 hospital bill after pulmonary embolism scare before wedding to Stephanie Lebo

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:07pm

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Jon Gosselin, the former star of the reality show 'Jon & Kate Plus 8', recently experienced a life-threatening health emergency just weeks before his wedding to Stephanie Lebo. Gosselin developed a blood clot that led to a pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. He was rushed to the hospital and received emergency treatment, narrowly avoiding death. However, the hospital visit resulted in a $20,000 medical bill that Gosselin is now working to resolve.

Why it matters

Gosselin's health scare highlights the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for concerning symptoms, as pulmonary embolisms can be deadly if left untreated. It also shines a light on the financial burden that unexpected medical emergencies can place on individuals, even those with some level of fame and wealth.

The details

Gosselin's health episode began with 'grueling pain' in his leg in the weeks before his wedding. The pain worsened, spreading to his shoulder, and he soon began coughing up what looked like a blood clot. Realizing something was seriously wrong, Gosselin made the 'biggest no-no' by driving himself to the hospital. There, doctors discovered he had two bilateral pulmonary embolisms, which are blood clots that block arteries in the lungs. Gosselin was quickly treated with medication, including heart and blood pressure drugs, aspirin, and the blood thinner Eliquis. He credits the prompt medical attention with saving his life, as he 'definitely could have died' from the condition.

  • In the weeks before his wedding to Stephanie Lebo, Gosselin experienced 'grueling pain' in his leg.
  • The day after the leg pain started, it worsened and spread to his shoulder.
  • The following night, Gosselin began coughing up what looked like a blood clot.

The players

Jon Gosselin

A 48-year-old former reality TV star, best known for the show 'Jon & Kate Plus 8', who narrowly escaped death from a pulmonary embolism just weeks before his wedding.

Stephanie Lebo

Gosselin's 38-year-old wife, whom he married shortly after his health emergency.

Hannah Gosselin

One of Gosselin's 21-year-old sextuplet children, who was 'freaked out' by news of her father's health scare.

Collin Gosselin

Another of Gosselin's 21-year-old sextuplet children, who was also 'freaked out' by the news of his father's condition.

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What they’re saying

“I was like, 'Something is wrong,'. I coughed up what looked like Silly Putty — it was a blood clot.”

— Jon Gosselin (Daily Mail)

“If you have deep-vein thrombosis, you could die at the wheel.”

— Jon Gosselin (Daily Mail)

“Stephanie was scared to death.”

— Jon Gosselin (Daily Mail)

“Hannah and Collin were 'freaked out' by the news.”

— Jon Gosselin (Daily Mail)

What’s next

Gosselin is currently working with a healthcare strategist to help sort out the $20,000 medical bill from his hospital visit.

The takeaway

Gosselin's near-death experience from a pulmonary embolism underscores the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for concerning symptoms, as these conditions can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. It also highlights the financial strain that unexpected health emergencies can place on individuals, even public figures.