BYU Nation Basketball Fans Devastated by Unexpected Death of Mark Bigelow

Brigham Young University’s basketball community was heartbroken following the unexpected death of former BYU star Mark Bigelow in April 2025 at age 44. Bigelow, who played for the Cougars from 1998 to 2004, was known for his smooth shooting stroke, basketball IQ, and leadership on and off the court. He remains one of BYU’s all-time leading scorers and was beloved by fans of the “BYU Nation.” His sudden death, reported as health-related, came just weeks after he had spoken at a youth sports clinic in Provo, where he encouraged aspiring players to “play with faith and finish strong.” Three lifelong fans—Aaron Cook, Lindsey Stokes, and Thomas Hale—organized an impromptu candlelight vigil outside the Marriott Center, drawing hundreds in silence. Players wore black armbands in his honor during spring workouts, and head coach Kevin Young paid tribute during a press conference, calling Bigelow “a symbol of BYU excellence.” Many fans, particularly those who remembered BYU’s early-2000s rise, expressed grief online. “It’s like a piece of our basketball heart is gone,” one post read. The university announced a scholarship fund in Bigelow’s name, ensuring his legacy lives on in both hearts and hardwood.