Gabe Rygaard (1972 - 2016), Ax Men reality star

Gabe Rygaard, who formerly starred on the reality TV show “Ax Men,” died Friday, Sept. 16, 2016, in a motor vehicle crash near Port Angeles, Washington, according to multiple news sources. He was 44.

Ugo Ehiogu (1971–2017), British soccer player and coach

Soccer defenseman played for English Premier League’s Aston Villa and Middlesbrough teams from 1991 to 2007.

Malik B. (1972–2020), founding member of the Roots

Malik B. was a rapper and singer who was a founding member of the Roots.

Bibian Mentel (1972–2021), Paralympic snowboarding champion

Bibian Mentel was a snowboarder who won three gold medals at the Paralympic Winter Games after losing part of her leg to cancer.

Andrea Martin (1972–2021), R&B singer and songwriter

Andrea Martin was an R&B singer and songwriter who wrote hits for artists including Toni Braxton, Monica, and En Vogue.

Myron Dewey (1972–2021), filmmaker known for covering Standing Rock protests

Myron Dewey was a documentary filmmaker who covered the protests at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, including directing “Awake: A Dream from Standing Rock.”

Glen de Vries (1972–2021), businessman who went to space with Blue Origin

Glen de Vries was a businessman who recently went to space alongside William Shatner on Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin NS-18 mission.

Taylor Hawkins (1972–2022), Foo Fighters drummer  

Taylor Hawkins was the longtime drummer for the popular alternative rock band Foo Fighters.   

Charles Johnson (1972–2022), Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver

Charles Johnson was a wide receiver with NFL teams including the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots.

Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson (1972–2022), gospel singer

Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson was a gospel singer known for songs including “Let Go and Let God.”

Coy Gibbs (1972–2022), NASCAR owner and driver

Coy Gibbs was the co-owner of NASCAR’s Joe Gibbs Racing as well as a NASCAR driver.

Gustavo Badell (1972–2023), “The Freakin’ Rican” bodybuilder 

Gustavo Badell was a bodybuilder known as “The Freakin’ Rican.”

Tyler Christopher (1972–2023), played Nikolas on General Hospital

Tyler Christopher was an actor known for his soap opera roles, starring as Nikolas Cassadine on “General Hospital” and Stefan Di Mera on “Days of Our Lives.” 

Christian Oliver (1972–2024), Saved by the Bell actor 

Christian Oliver was a German actor who appeared in films such as “The Baby Sitters Club,” “Speed Racer,” and “Valkyrie,” as well as a long stint on “Saved by the Bell: The New Class,” and who, along with his daughters and their pilot, died in a plane crash in the Caribbean Sea.

Cecilia Gentili (1972–2024), Pose actress and LGBTQ+ activist

Cecilia Gentili was an author, actress known for playing Miss Orlando on “Pose,” and an LGBTQ+ rights activist who advocated for health and wellness among the community.

Chris Simon (1972–2024), Stanley Cup champ with Avalanche

Chris Simon was an NHL enforcer with such teams as the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders, who won a Stanley Cup in 1996 with the Colorado Avalanche.

Rico Wade (1972–2024), key player in Atlanta’s hip-hop scene

Rico Wade was a member of the Atlanta-based production trio Organized Noize, a key player in Atlanta’s hip-hop scene, and one of the architects of the “Dirty South” sound.

Obi Ndefo (1972–2024), actor on Dawson’s Creek, Stargate SG-1

Obi Ndefo was an actor known on TV for his performances as Bodie Wells on “Dawson’s Creek” and Rak’nor on “Stargate SG-1.”

Allen Aldridge (1972–2024), Denver Broncos Super Bowl champion

Allen Aldridge was an NFL linebacker who won Super Bowl XXXII with the Denver Broncos and played for the Detroit Lions.

Ka (1972–2024), Brooklyn rapper and NYC firefighter 

Ka was a prolific Brooklyn-based rapper whose lyrically-rich albums earned him accolades, and who was also known for his two-decade career as an FDNY firefighter, where he rose to captain.