"Occasionally, people shed tears" - Bus operator and enthusiast of fried chicken gains online popularity
Title: Viral Bus Driver Freddy's Heartbreak Over Closed Snack Bar Sparks Empathy
Date: June 16, 2025, 5:02 PM (Updated)
By Martin Wilger
Freddy Külpmann, the lovable Witten bus driver, found fame through an emotional goodbye to a cherished snack bar. His raw feelings struck a chord with millions online, gaining over ten million views across social media platforms.
Emotions ran high for our bus hero, as he explained that the closure of his beloved Frikadellen joint served as much more than just losing a favorite meal spot.
The Digital Waterfall of Emotions
Freddy Külpmann's emotional plea for his favorite snack bar started trending as a viral sensation. In a matter of days, clips of his tearful interview went viral on Instagram, TikTok, and other leading social media platforms simultaneously. Even popular German entertainment programs such as "TV Total" took interest in his heartbreaking story.
With views reaching over ten million times across multiple channels, Külpmann's tearful video garnered wide attention from media outlets like Bild and Süddeutsche Zeitung. His tearful message about the Frikadelle struck a chord with the public, generating mostly positive feedback online.
Users praised Freddy's authenticity, sympathized with his loss, and felt a connection to his raw emotions. The 64-year-old doesn't shy away from his emotions and stresses that he's proud of showing his vulnerable side to the world.
From the Cave to the Bus: Freddy's Journey
Before gracing our streets with his heartfelt presence as a bus driver, Freddy had other struggles to overcome. In the past, he battled the demands of driving a line bus in Hagen, which ultimately led him into a deep depression. After leaving the bus behind, Freddy needed a friend to convince him to drive again, this time for a school bus.
As his bus driver's license had lapsed, he had to apply for a new one, a process that filled him with trepidation. With moist eyes, he recalls:
The Frikadelle's Surprise Act
Recently, students at his school worked to show their appreciation for their beloved bus driver. Aleksandar Markovic and a classmate organized a sweet surprise, presenting Freddy with a Frikadelle in a bun. Touched by the gesture, Freddy couldn't help but express his happiness to the students.
Sources:- Interview with bus driver Freddy Külpmann (Our Website)- Interview with students (Our Website)
Join us tonight on Lokalzeit Dortmund at 7:30 PM for an in-depth look into this emotional journey.
- The viral video of bus driver Freddy Külpmann, featuring his heartbreak over the closure of his favorite social-media spot, Frikadellen, gained attention beyond traditional news outlets, trending on pop-culture platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and even entertainment programs like TV Total.
- As the digital community showed empathy towards Freddy Külpmann, his vulnerable and authentic expression of emotions resonated strongly with social media users, transforming a simple news story into a trending pop-culture phenomenon across the globe.
