Ralph Siegel leaves ICU after 18‑day artificial coma, says he narrowly avoided death
German Schlager composer Ralph Siegel (80) was placed in an artificial coma for 18 days in early July 2026 after a severe lung infection/pneumonia. He was treated in a Munich hospital after being transferred from Spain. On 31 July he was moved from the intensive‑care unit to a normal ward and told the Bild newspaper that his condition is “relatively good”.
Siegel said his doctor warned that staying one more day in Spain would have been fatal, adding “a day later I would have been dead”. He reported a dramatic loss of strength, muscle and weight – he now weighs about 96 kg and cannot stand without assistance. The composer noted this is the third occasion he has escaped death so narrowly. He plans to continue his recovery and is already thinking about a new Eurovision‑song entry.
His wife Laura Siegel confirmed his progress and relayed that Siegel was unaware of his unresponsiveness during the coma. The family expressed gratitude to the medical team, especially the attending professor who oversaw his care.
Entities: Bild newspaper · German Schlager music · Giulia Siegel · Laura Siegel · Munich Hospital · Nicole · Professor Weiß · Ralph Siegel · Spain
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 14 SOURCES] This is his third major health crisis, after prostate cancer and a chronic nerve disease. (multiple Siegel articles)
- [● 14 SOURCES] He said his condition is “relatively good”. (multiple Siegel articles)
- [● 9 SOURCES] He weighs about 96 kg after losing weight during his illness. (multiple Siegel articles)
- [● 13 SOURCES] His doctor warned that staying another day in Spain would have been fatal. (multiple Siegel articles)
- [● 13 SOURCES] He was transferred from intensive care to a normal ward in late July 2026. (multiple Siegel articles)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] His daughter Giulia Siegel publicly expressed support during his hospitalization. (multiple Siegel articles)
- [● 13 SOURCES] Ralph Siegel was placed in an induced coma in early July 2026 due to severe pneumonia. (multiple Siegel articles)
- [● 14 SOURCES] Ralph Siegel remained in an artificial coma for 18 days. (multiple Siegel articles)
- [● 12 SOURCES] Siegel said his condition is “relatively good”. (multiple Siegel articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] His wife Laura Siegel reported that he was unresponsive during the coma. (multiple Siegel articles)
- [● 12 SOURCES] His doctor warned that staying one more day in Spain would have been fatal. (multiple Siegel articles)
- [● 12 SOURCES] This is the third time Siegel has narrowly escaped death. (multiple Siegel articles)