Ax Men, the long-running History Channel series that premiered in 2008, chronicled the dangerous, high-stakes world of modern logging in the Pacific Northwest, following crews as they battled weather, terrain, and tight deadlines to harvest timber. Over 12 seasons (2008–2019), the show highlighted the skill, risks, and camaraderie of loggers, but it was also marked by a series of tragic deaths that profoundly affected cast members, families, and viewers. These losses—some on the job, some off-duty—underscored the inherent dangers of the logging profession and left lasting impacts on the series’ tone and direction. If you’re searching for Ax Men deaths, Ax Men cast members who died, Gabe Rygaard death, or how these tragedies shaped the show in 2026, the series lost several key figures including Gabe Rygaard (2016), Dwayne Dethlefs (2016), Jimmy Smith (2017), William Bart Colantuono (2018), and Stacey Robeson (2018), each death prompting tributes, safety reflections, and shifts in the show’s narrative. As of January 2026, with Ax Men still airing reruns on History Channel, Discovery+, and streaming platforms, these losses continue to resonate, reminding audiences of the real human cost behind the dramatic television portrayal of one of America’s most hazardous occupations.
Gabe Rygaard: The Heart of Rygaard Logging
Gabriel “Gabe” Rygaard was one of the original and most beloved cast members of Ax Men, representing Rygaard Logging, a third-generation family operation in Port Angeles, Washington. Born in 1975, Gabe joined the family business young and became a central figure on the show from Season 1 (2008). Known for his work ethic, quick humor, and deep love for his family—wife Michelle and sons Gabe Jr., Kaleb, and daughter Samantha—Gabe was often the emotional anchor of the Rygaard crew’s storylines.
On December 16, 2016, Gabe was killed in a car accident on U.S. Route 101 near Sequim, Washington, when his vehicle was struck head-on by a suspected impaired driver. He was 41 years old. The news devastated the Ax Men family, cast, crew, and fans. Producers dedicated Season 9 to Gabe, featuring tributes, memories, and episodes highlighting his legacy. Michelle and the children continued to appear occasionally, sharing their grief and resilience. Gabe’s death was a stark reminder of how quickly life can change, even away from the dangerous woods.
Dwayne Dethlefs: The Veteran Logger’s Sudden Passing
Dwayne Dethlefs, a veteran logger and key member of the Rygaard crew, appeared in multiple seasons of Ax Men. Known for his experience, steady hands, and mentorship of younger loggers, Dwayne brought decades of knowledge to the show. He was a close friend of Gabe Rygaard and often appeared in scenes involving high-risk felling and yarder operations.
Dwayne passed away on December 28, 2016—just 12 days after Gabe’s death—from natural causes related to health issues. He was 63. The back-to-back losses hit the Rygaard team hard, and the show honored Dwayne with tributes in Season 9, acknowledging his skill and friendship. His death, coming so soon after Gabe’s, added to the somber tone that marked the later seasons of Ax Men.
Jimmy Smith: The Tragic Loss of a Rising Star
Jimmy Smith joined Ax Men in Season 6 (2013) as part of the Swamp Man crew led by Shelby Stanga, and later worked with other teams. A young, energetic logger from Louisiana, Jimmy brought a Southern charm and fearless approach to the show. He was known for his quick wit, love of the job, and dedication to his family.
On April 15, 2017, Jimmy died in a single-vehicle accident in Louisiana at age 29. He was driving home from work when his truck left the road and struck a tree. The logging community and Ax Men fans mourned deeply. Producers paid tribute in Season 10 with a special segment remembering Jimmy’s enthusiasm and contributions. His death further emphasized the risks loggers face—not just in the woods, but on the roads traveling to and from job sites.
William Bart Colantuono: The Helicopter Crash Tragedy
William “Bart” Colantuono appeared in Season 5 (2012) as part of the S&S Aqua Logging crew in Alaska, which used helicopters to extract timber from remote sites. Bart was an experienced helicopter pilot and logger, skilled in precision long-lining operations in rugged terrain.
On August 8, 2018, Bart was killed in a helicopter crash while working on a logging contract in Alaska. He was 57. The crash also claimed the life of another crew member. The incident highlighted the extreme dangers of helicopter logging—one of the most hazardous jobs in the industry. Ax Men paid tribute to Bart in later episodes and specials, honoring his expertise and bravery. His death was one of the most dramatic reminders of the life-threatening risks the show portrayed.
Stacey Robeson: A Quiet Loss Off-Camera
Stacey Robeson appeared in early seasons as part of the J.M. Browning Logging crew in Oregon. A skilled feller and heavy equipment operator, Stacey was known for his steady work ethic and calm demeanor on the job.
Stacey passed away in 2018 from health-related causes unrelated to logging. He was in his 50s. Though less publicized than other deaths, the Ax Men community and cast mourned his loss, remembering his contributions to the show and the logging profession. His passing added to the sense of loss that marked the later years of the series.
Other Losses and the Broader Impact
Additional Ax Men-related deaths include off-camera crew members and family members of cast. The show’s producers and cast have consistently paid tribute through dedicated episodes, memorial segments, and moments of silence. These losses prompted discussions about safety in logging, with some crews adopting stricter protocols and equipment upgrades in response.
The deaths also affected the show’s tone—later seasons became more reflective, emphasizing the human cost of the profession and the bonds between loggers. Fans responded with overwhelming support, sharing memories and condolences online and at logging events.
Legacy of the Ax Men Deaths in 2026
| Cast Member | Age at Passing | Date | Cause | Show Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabe Rygaard | 41 | December 16, 2016 | Car accident | Season 9 dedicated; emotional tributes |
| Dwayne Dethlefs | 63 | December 28, 2016 | Natural causes | Tributes alongside Gabe |
| Jimmy Smith | 29 | April 15, 2017 | Car accident | Season 10 memorial segment |
| William Bart Colantuono | 57 | August 8, 2018 | Helicopter crash | Special acknowledgment |
| Stacey Robeson | 50s | 2018 | Health-related | Quiet remembrance |
These tragedies shaped Ax Men’s legacy, highlighting the real dangers behind the drama and fostering deeper respect for the logging profession.
Remembering the Ax Men Losses in 2026
The deaths of Gabe Rygaard, Dwayne Dethlefs, Jimmy Smith, William Bart Colantuono, Stacey Robeson, and others left deep scars on the Ax Men family and its audience. Each man brought unique skill, personality, and passion to the show, and their losses reminded viewers that logging is not just a job—it’s a dangerous, demanding way of life. In 2026, with reruns still airing on History Channel and streaming platforms, these men are remembered through classic episodes, fan tributes, and the continued work of surviving crews who honor their memory by staying safe and preserving tradition.
Honor their legacy by watching Ax Men on History Channel, Discovery+, or other platforms. The show may have ended, but the courage, skill, and brotherhood of Gabe, Dwayne, Jimmy, Bart, Stacey, and others live on in every tree felled, every log hauled, and every story told about the men who risked everything to bring timber from the forest to the world.
