John Schnabel (1920 - 2016), Gold Rush reality TV star

John Schnabel, an Alaskan gold miner and family patriarch on the reality TV show “Gold Rush,” has died, according to multiple news sources. He was 96. Schnabel, who owned a claim to the Big Nugget mine in Porcupine Creek, Alaska, died March 18 in his sleep, according to his family. “Thank you all for the kind words,” wrote John Schabel’s grandson, Peter Schnabel, in a Twitter message. “John lived a great life and was one of a kind. I am glad the world got to see an amazing man.” The show, which airs on the Discovery Channel cable network, is currently in its sixth season. The first season, titled “Gold Rush – Alaska,” aired on the channel in December 2010. It follows the escapades of a group of miners who initially took up the mining pursuit because they had lost their jobs in Sandy, Oregon. During the show’s second season, when the show’s name was shortened to “Gold Rush,” John Schnabel decided to step down and give the Big Nugget mine to grandson Parker Schnabel.

Guido Westerwelle (1961 - 2016), former German foreign minister

Guido Westerwelle, a former German foreign minister, died March 18 of complications of leukemia, according to multiple news sources. He was 54.

Joe Santos (1931 - 2016), The Rockford Files co-star

Joe Santos, a character actor known best for playing Lieutenant Dennis Becker on TV’s “The Rockford Files” alongside James Garner, died March 18, four days after having a heart attack, according to multiple news sources. He was 84.