Margot Simond - April 24

French alpine skier and rising star who had recently claimed the French U18 slalom title and represented France at the Junior World Championships and the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival. She was considered a promising talent for the future of French skiing, competing for the Club des Sports des Saisies and the Savoie Ski Committee. Tragically, Simond passed away at the age of 18, following a fatal training accident on the Envers de Bellevarde slope in Val d’Isère while preparing for the Red Bull Alpine Park event, a competition blending slalom and slopestyle. Despite immediate medical attention, she could not be revived, and her death prompted widespread mourning and tributes from the international ski community.

Steve McMichael - April 23

American football player, professional wrestler, and sports broadcaster, best known for his time as a dominant defensive tackle with the Chicago Bears in the NFL. He played college football at the University of Texas before being drafted by the New England Patriots in 1980, though he achieved fame with the Bears, helping lead them to victory in Super Bowl XX in 1986. Nicknamed "Mongo," McMichael was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and a key member of the Bears’ legendary defense. After retiring from football, he transitioned to professional wrestling, joining World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and later worked as a commentator and sports personality. He passed away at age 67 after a battle with ALS.

Leo Beenhakker - April 10

Dutch soccer coach. Known for his tactical expertise and leadership, he achieved significant success at both club and international levels. Beenhakker managed top teams like Ajax, Feyenoord, and Real Madrid, where he won three consecutive La Liga titles. Internationally, he made history by leading Trinidad and Tobago to their first FIFA World Cup in 2006 and guiding Poland to their debut UEFA Euro appearance in 2008. Leo Beenhakker passed away at the age of 82.

Vittorio Pirbazari - March 31

German bodybuilder and actor. He was known for his role as Daher Tarik in the 2018 Netflix series "Dogs of Berlin" and also appeared in the German crime series "Tatort." Pirbazari was an active fitness influencer with 90,000 Instagram followers, where he documented his training and recovery journeys. Tragically, he passed away at the age of 44, after collapsing while running on a treadmill, just three months after undergoing surgery to reattach a torn pectoral muscle.

Richard Norton - March 28

Australian martial artist, actor, stunt performer and fight choreographer. He held high-ranking black belts in various martial arts, including Zen Do Kai (10th dan), Gōjū-ryū karate (5th dan), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (6th dan), Chun Kuk Do (8th dan), and Ukidokan Kickboxing (Level 6). Norton initially worked as a bodyguard for celebrities such as ABBA, The Rolling Stones, and David Bowie before transitioning to acting. He appeared in over 80 films and TV shows, including "The Octagon" (1980) with Chuck Norris, "Licence to Kill" (1989), and numerous martial arts films alongside Jackie Chan and Cynthia Rothrock. Norton also served as a fight choreographer for major films like "Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015) and "Suicide Squad" (2016). Norton passed away at the age of 75.

George Foreman - March 21

American boxer and entrepreneur. He was a two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, first gaining fame by winning the heavyweight title in 1973 with a knockout of Joe Frazier. After losing to Muhammad Ali in the iconic "Rumble in the Jungle" in 1974, Foreman retired in 1977 but made a remarkable comeback a decade later. In 1994, at age 45, he became the oldest heavyweight champion by defeating Michael Moorer. Outside boxing, Foreman became a successful entrepreneur, notably promoting the George Foreman Grill, which earned him immense financial success. He retired from boxing in 1997 with a record of 76 wins (68 by knockout) and 5 losses and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003. Foreman passed away at the age of 76.

George Bell - March 19

American basketball player and the tallest men in the United States, standing at 7 feet 8 inches (2.34 meters). He played for the Harlem Wizards and Harlem Globetrotters show teams before transitioning to a career as an entertainer and motivational speaker. Bell was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest man in America in 2007. Despite his height giving him an advantage in basketball, he faced challenges due to the physical strain of his size. Beyond sports, he has used his stature to raise awareness about gigantism and inspire others. He passed away at the age of 67.

Red Lerille - March 14

American bodybuilder, gym owner, and fitness icon. Born in Harvey, Louisiana, he developed a passion for bodybuilding at a young age, inspired by his uncle and teacher. During his service in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1959, Lerille's dedication to bodybuilding flourished. He secured several titles, including Mr. Armed Forces and Mr. Hawaii in 1958, and Mr. Dixie in 1959. His most notable achievement came in 1960 when he won the prestigious Mr. America title. Following his competitive success, Lerille transitioned into the fitness industry. In 1963, he opened his own gym, Red Lerille's Health Club, in Lafayette, Louisiana. Known for his commitment to health and innovation, Lerille received numerous accolades, including induction into multiple fitness halls of fame. Red Lerille passed away at the age of 88.

Oliver Miller - March 12

American professional basketball player who played as a center in the NBA during the 1990s. Nicknamed "The Big O," Miller stood at 2.06 m and weighed over 136 kg. Miller was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 1992 and had a nine-year NBA career, playing for various teams including the Suns, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings. Despite his talent and passing skills, Miller struggled with weight issues that affected his mobility and stamina. He passed away at the age of 54.

Jodi Vance - February 27

American bodybuilder. She was considered a promising figure in the bodybuilding world, having recently secured third place in the Women's Physique category at the 2024 NPC Battle of Texas. Vance was also a trainer with a dedicated following who closely followed her career in bodybuilding. Tragically, Vance passed away while attending the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio. Her death was attributed to complications from severe dehydration, which led to cardiac arrest. She passed away at the age of 20.

Boris Spassky - February 27

Russian chess grandmaster who was the tenth World Chess Champion, holding the title from 1969 to 1972. He was recognized as a prodigy from an early age, becoming an International Master at 16 and a Grandmaster at 18. Spassky's career highlights include defeating Tigran Petrosian in 1969 to become world champion and his iconic match against Bobby Fischer in 1972, which symbolized the Cold War rivalry between the USA and the Soviet Union. He was a two-time USSR Champion and played for the Soviet team in several Chess Olympiads. Spassky later emigrated to France in 1976, becoming a French citizen in 1978, and returned to Russia in 2012. Known for his elegant and universal playing style, Spassky left a lasting legacy in the chess world. He passed away at the age of 88.

Greg Haugen - February 22

American professional boxer who competed from 1982 to 1999. He is best known for being a former world champion in multiple weight classes, holding the IBF lightweight title (1986–1987, 1988–1989) and the WBO light welterweight title (1991). Haugen gained recognition for his tough, scrappy fighting style and for his notable victories over fighters like Vinny Pazienza and Héctor "Macho" Camacho. One of his most famous bouts was against Julio César Chávez in 1993, where he suffered a lopsided defeat in front of a record-breaking crowd (132,000 spectators) in Mexico City. Greg Haugen passed away at the age of 64.

Rich Dauer - February 3

American professional baseball infielder and coach, best known for his ten-year career with the Baltimore Orioles from 1976 to 1985. He played primarily as a second baseman and was part of the Orioles' World Series-winning team in 1983. Known for his exceptional defensive skills, he set American League records for consecutive errorless games and chances in 1978. After retiring as a player, Dauer had a successful coaching career with several MLB teams, including the Houston Astros, where he was part of the coaching staff during their 2017 World Series victory. He was inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame in 2012. Dauer passed away at the age of 72.

Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov - January 29

Russian figure skaters known for their success in pair skating during the 1990s. They formed a partnership in 1987, achieving significant milestones, including winning the 1994 World Championship and multiple medals at European Championships. They represented Russia in two Olympic Games, finishing fifth in 1992 and fourth in 1994. After retiring from competitive skating in 1998, they transitioned to coaching in the United States, where they have influenced many young skaters. Tragically, they were involved in the Potomac River plane crash while traveling from Wichita to Washington, D.C.

Denis Law - January 17

Scottish soccer player, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation. He began his professional career with Huddersfield Town in 1956. Law played for several clubs, including Manchester City, Torino, and most notably Manchester United, where he spent eleven years and scored 237 goals in 404 appearances. Law was part of the iconic "United Trinity" with George Best and Bobby Charlton. He won the Ballon d'Or in 1964, becoming the only Scottish player to receive this prestigious award. He passed away at the age of 84.

Bob Uecker - January 16

Profesional baseball player, sports broadcaster, comedian, and actor, affectionately known as "Mr. Baseball." Uecker began his baseball career as a catcher, playing for the Milwaukee Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, and Philadelphia Phillies from 1962 to 1967. He won a World Series title with the Cardinals in 1964. While his playing career was modest, he became widely recognized for his wit, humor, and self-deprecating style. Uecker gained fame as a broadcaster, serving as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Milwaukee Brewers since 1971. His humorous commentary and unique storytelling style have made him a beloved figure in baseball. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003, receiving the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting excellence. He was also inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010 for his memorable appearances at WrestleMania events. In addition to his sports career, Uecker appeared in commercials, movies (notably the Major League film series), and television shows, including a starring role in the sitcom "Mr. Belvedere". Uecker passed away at the age of 90.

Gus Williams - January 15

American professional basketball, known as "The Wizard". He played as a point guard and shooting guard in the NBA, most notably leading the Seattle SuperSonics to their only NBA championship in 1979. Williams was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1975 but found his success with the SuperSonics, earning two All-Star appearances and being named to the All-NBA First and Second Teams. After a contract dispute led him to miss the 1980 season, he returned strong, earning the NBA Comeback Player of the Year award in 1982. Williams finished his career with the Washington Bullets and Atlanta Hawks, leaving a legacy as a dynamic player who redefined the point guard position with his speed and scoring ability. He passed away at the age of 71.

Dwight Foster - January 6

Canadian professional ice hockey player. He had a notable career in the National Hockey League (NHL), playing primarily as a forward. Foster was drafted in the first round, 16th overall, by the Boston Bruins in the 1977 NHL Entry Draft. He played for several teams during his career, including the Boston Bruins, Colorado Rockies, New Jersey Devils, and Detroit Red Wings, before retiring in 1987 due to persistent knee injuries. Throughout his NHL career, Foster played a total of 541 games, accumulating 274 points (111 goals and 163 assists). Foster passed away at the age of 67.

Morris Bradshaw - January 3

American football player who played primarily as a wide receiver. He attended Ohio State University, where he excelled in football before being selected by the Oakland Raiders in the fourth round of the 1974 NFL Draft. Over his nine-season career in the NFL, Bradshaw played for the Raiders and the New England Patriots, accumulating impressive statistics that included 90 receptions for 1,416 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was part of the Raiders' Super Bowl XI and XV championship teams. Morris Bradshaw passed away at the age of 72.

Cristóbal Ortega - January 2

Mexican soccer player and coach, celebrated for his long tenure as a midfielder with Club América from 1974 to 1992. He holds the record for the most official matches played for the club, totaling 711 games, and is tied for the most titles won with 14 trophies. Ortega also represented the Mexican national team, participating in the FIFA World Cups of 1978 and 1986, earning 24 caps and scoring four goals. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching roles within various clubs. Ortega passed away at the age of 68.