German Celebrities Face Health Battles and Sudden Losses in Early 2026

In early 2026, the German entertainment scene has been struck by both personal health struggles and unexpected deaths among well-known figures. Rap star Haftbefehl, known offstage as Aykut Anhan, has publicly revealed a relapse into drug addiction after initially seeking recovery, while reality TV personality Frank from the show "Hartz und herzlich" passed away suddenly.

Haftbefehl's turbulent journey through addiction was documented in the Netflix series "Babo – Die Haftbefehl-Story." Following his friend's death in July 2025, rapper Xatar, Haftbefehl's drug problems worsened, culminating in a coma lasting eight weeks. After spending six weeks in hospital and another six in therapy, he described a shift in his addiction toward marijuana instead of cocaine, which he continues to use. His cocaine use caused severe damage, including nose deformation that required reconstructive surgery in January 2026. Despite the relapse, Haftbefehl remains aware of the harms and is focused on managing his addiction.

Separately, Frank, a beloved figure from the reality TV series "Hartz und herzlich," died unexpectedly at around 60 years old. The RTL ZWEI network confirmed his passing on Instagram but did not disclose the cause of death, asking for respect regarding inquiries. Frank, who had been part of the show since around 2023, was known for his sympathetic nature and had recently gained financial independence following an inheritance. His death has deeply affected fans, echoing the sorrow felt after the passing of another key cast member, Regina, two months earlier.

These developments emphasize the fragility behind the public personas of German celebrities, highlighting ongoing health challenges and sudden losses within the entertainment community.