Michael Phelps Announces Death of Father Fred in IG Post: 'I'll Always Be Your Son'

Rob Goldberg @@TheRobGoldbergFeatured Columnist IVOctober 24, 2022

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 10: Michael Phelps attends the 15th Annual HOPE Luncheon Seminar at The Plaza Hotel on November 10, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)

Noam Galai/Getty Images

Olympian Michael Phelps announced the death of his father, Fred, in an Instagram post Monday.

"You'll always be my dad…And I'll always be your son," Phelps wrote. "…Love you dad and I will miss you❤️❤️ rip dad."

TMZ @TMZ
Michael Phelps just shared some heartbreaking news ... announcing his father, Fred, has passed away. <a href="https://t.co/TrAF4pgqbw">https://t.co/TrAF4pgqbw</a>

Fellow athletes Lindsey Vonn, CC Sabathia and Adam Jones were among those who offered condolences in the Instagram comments.

As TMZ Sports noted, Fred Phelps played college football and tried out for the Washington football team. He later became a Maryland State Trooper.

Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all-time, winning 28 medals in swimming, including 23 gold medals. He retired after the 2016 Olympics.