Guy Fieri Opens Up About a Near-Death Crash That Changed His Life

You probably recognize Guy Fieri as the wacky Food Network host of 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives', but there are more layers to Guy than a fancy lasagna.

Guy Fieri: The Chef with Nine Lives

As the self-proclaimed biggest fan of Guy Fieri, I do have his autograph tattooed on my arm, the stories shared in a recent podcast just have me SMH. Graham Bensinger hosts long-form interviews with celebrities. He recently shared a 2 1/2-hour conversation with Guy Fieri. And yes, I watched the YouTube video like it was a movie screening.

A Near-Death Experience Changed Guy Fieri's Perspective on Life

When Guy Fieri was 19, he and his college friends were camping next to some men in the Air Force. A Park Ranger was driving through, so everybody jumped in their vehicles to leave.

Guy ended up being a passenger in a car with the three Air Force men that he had just met. The driver had been drinking, and the car crashed, and the driver was killed. Guy had to be air-lifted to the hospital and then woke up in the hospital with handcuffs on. Guy Fieri was accused of being the driver, and after a legal battle, he was cleared of any charges.

Getty Images

Get our free mobile app

Lessons Learned at the Right Time

Now, even though this was a tragic situation to be involved in, The Mayor of Flavortown says it was the reminder he needed that we only live once. So, he has taught his sons Ryder and Hunter, and nephew Jules: Number One: Never drink and drive, and Number Two: Be very cautious about who you associate with.