There’s no hiding that Michael Phelps and his father had a strained relationship for years. The distance grew as senior Phelps decided to file for divorce. With Fred moving out, Debbie was left to care for Michael and his two elder sisters alone. As Fred eventually remarried, the distance grew further. But regardless of the growing distance, their love for each other remained constant.

Fred and Michael may have not spent considerable time together, but there was no questioning the love they had for each other. Thus, back in 2014, when the news of Michael Phelps’ DUI arrest became public knowledge, Fred was left worried, as he thought that “he could have been dead.”

Michael Phelps made his father worried?

Fred felt a chill come over him when the words came through the phone that September morning. One of his close friends called to inform him that his son had been arrested on suspicion of DUI. The details, as he recalled, “scared the living hell out of”?him.

He was informed that Phelps was driving at ’84 mph through the 45 mph, no passing allowed, Fort McHenry Tunnel while registering a blood alcohol level of 0.14, almost double the Maryland legal limit of 0.08. After hanging up the call, Fred texted Phelps; however, as the father recalled, “it wasn’t received well.”?

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On realizing the conversation has “pi*sed him,” Fred decided to “withdraw.” The father and son, over the years, had worked on their relationship. Fred may have left for his heavenly abode earlier this week, but his memories will stay with his family forever.

Michael remembers his late father and pays him an emotional tribute?

The Halloween week has been tough going for the Phelps family. With Fred’s untimely demise, the family is mourning the unexpected loss. Michael broke the heartbreaking news to his fans on Monday over his Instagram profile. Posting several throw-back pictures, the retired Olympian wrote, “You’ll always be my dad … And I’ll always be your son … Love you dad, and I will miss you???? rip dad.”

Before switching to an administrative position, Fred spent 28 years as a Maryland state trooper and a former college football player. As the family goes through a tough time, friends and fans extend their heartfelt condolences.

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