Brandon Cole “Bam” Margera is one of the most iconic personalities to emerge from the early 2000s skateboarding and reality TV scene. Known for his stunts, wild lifestyle, and creative expression, Margera became a household name through MTV shows like Jackass and Viva La Bam. In recent years, however, the TV star has faced numerous challenges—leading to frequent speculation about his health, well-being, and even false rumors of his death.
If you’ve recently heard whispers or seen social media posts questioning whether Bam Margera is still alive, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll clear the air once and for all. Is Bam Margera alive? What caused the death rumors? What is his current status, and what is he doing today?
Let’s dive deep into the life of Bam Margera and separate fact from fiction.
Who Is Bam Margera?
Before we address the rumors, let’s take a moment to revisit who Bam Margera is and why he became so famous.
Full Name: Brandon Cole Margera
Born: September 28, 1979
Hometown: West Chester, Pennsylvania
Profession: Professional skateboarder, stunt performer, filmmaker, and reality TV star
Margera gained fame as part of the CKY (Camp Kill Yourself) video series, where he showcased extreme stunts and pranks with his group of friends. This led to his involvement with MTV’s Jackass, which launched in 2000 and became a cultural phenomenon.
From there, Bam starred in his own show Viva La Bam (2003–2005) and contributed to several Jackass films. His bold personality, skateboarding skills, and disregard for consequences made him a fan favorite.
The Death Rumors: Where Did They Start?
In recent years, Bam Margera has faced a slew of personal battles, including substance abuse, mental health issues, and legal troubles. These struggles made headlines frequently, and in the age of social media, misinformation spread quickly.
A History of False Reports
Margera has been the subject of multiple death hoaxes over the past decade. Some of the reasons include:
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Rehab Relapses: Whenever Bam was reported missing from rehab or experienced a public relapse, some fans jumped to the worst conclusions.
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Health Scares: In 2022, Margera was hospitalized for severe pneumonia and reportedly placed on a ventilator. This sparked panic online, with some falsely believing he had died.
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Silence on Social Media: Periods of inactivity on social platforms also fueled the rumors.
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Clickbait Headlines: Many gossip sites used misleading titles to generate traffic, adding fuel to the fire.
In all these cases, the rumors were debunked—and Bam emerged alive, though still battling personal demons.
Bam Margera Is Still Alive in 2025
To set the record straight: Bam Margera is still alive as of 2025.
While he has faced significant ups and downs, including legal challenges and health scares, he has not passed away. Any news or social media posts claiming otherwise are false or misleading.
Recent Public Appearances
Bam has recently made public appearances and engaged with fans online, offering further proof that he is alive and fighting to regain control of his life. His Instagram and fan pages occasionally share updates, and he has participated in podcasts and interviews.
Bam Margera’s Health Battles
To understand why the death rumors persist, it’s important to acknowledge Margera’s public struggles with health—both physical and mental.
Addiction and Rehab
Margera has openly battled alcoholism and drug dependency. His issues began to escalate after the death of his best friend and fellow Jackass cast member, Ryan Dunn, in a 2011 car crash. The tragedy sent Bam into a downward spiral of grief, substance abuse, and erratic behavior.
He has entered multiple rehab facilities over the years, sometimes voluntarily and sometimes via court orders. However, staying clean has been an ongoing challenge.
Mental Health
In interviews, Bam has discussed dealing with bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. His mental health battles, coupled with substance issues, have led to concerning public incidents.
In one instance in 2023, Bam was reported missing after fleeing from a rehab center in Florida. He was later found safe and returned to the facility.
Hospitalization in 2022
One of the most alarming events occurred in December 2022, when Bam was hospitalized for COVID-19 complications and pneumonia. Reports stated that he was placed on a ventilator and was “fighting for his life.” Although he recovered, the event triggered a wave of death rumors that lingered long after his discharge.
Legal Troubles and Conservatorship Drama
In addition to his health concerns, Margera has faced legal issues, including DUI arrests, restraining orders, and disputes with family members.
Conservatorship Battle
In 2021, Bam was controversially removed from Jackass Forever due to contract violations and substance issues. He later filed a lawsuit against Jackass creators Johnny Knoxville and Jeff Tremaine, alleging wrongful termination. The case was settled, but Bam’s relationship with the Jackass crew remains strained.
There were also reports suggesting that Margera’s family considered conservatorship, similar to Britney Spears’ case. Though no formal conservatorship was ever confirmed, the tension highlighted his instability.
Is Bam Margera on the Road to Recovery?
Despite his chaotic past, Bam has shown signs of making a genuine effort to turn his life around.
Rekindling His Career
In 2024 and 2025, Bam hinted at new projects, including:
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A skateboarding documentary
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A podcast focused on mental health and recovery
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Collaborations with artists and skaters from the CKY crew
While none of these projects have officially launched, they indicate his willingness to move forward and re-engage with his passions.
Family Support
Margera’s family, especially his mother April and father Phil, have remained supportive through his darkest times. His brother, Jess Margera (of CKY fame), has also advocated for Bam’s treatment and recovery.
Margera also has a young son, Phoenix Wolf, and has expressed a desire to be a better father.
Bam Margera in Pop Culture
Even as he struggles personally, Bam remains a cultural icon for a generation of fans who grew up watching Jackass and Viva La Bam. He’s referenced in memes, throwback videos, and nostalgia-filled social media posts.
His Legacy
Bam’s influence on skateboarding, TV, and punk rock culture can’t be overstated. He:
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Popularized skateboarding culture for a mainstream audience
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Pioneered reality TV stunts
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Helped launch MTV’s golden era in the early 2000s
Despite his personal challenges, Bam’s creative legacy continues to inspire.
The Truth About Celebrity Death Hoaxes
Bam Margera isn’t the only celebrity plagued by false death rumors. In the age of digital media, celebrity death hoaxes are disturbingly common.
These hoaxes often gain traction due to:
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Clickbait articles with misleading headlines
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AI-generated images or fake tweets
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Misinterpretation of real medical emergencies
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Social media virality without verification
As with Bam’s case, it’s crucial to fact-check and rely on credible sources before sharing or believing such news.
Conclusion: Bam Margera Is Alive and Fighting
So, is Bam Margera still alive? Yes, he is alive in 2025. While his journey has been filled with turbulence, he remains a figure of resilience and raw authenticity. His story is far from over.
He continues to battle addiction, navigate mental health struggles, and face the weight of fame. But despite everything, Bam is still here—alive, kicking, and trying to reclaim his legacy.
For fans who grew up watching him skate, prank, and push boundaries, the hope remains that Bam finds peace, health, and purpose in the years ahead.
FAQs About Bam Margera’s Death Rumors
Q1: Is Bam Margera still alive in 2025?
Yes, Bam Margera is alive and has made several public appearances in recent months.
Q2: Did Bam Margera pass away?
No, Bam Margera has not passed away. Any rumors suggesting otherwise are false.
Q3: What happened to Bam Margera’s health?
Bam has battled addiction and mental health issues for years. He was hospitalized in 2022 but has since recovered.
Q4: Is Bam Margera sober now?
His sobriety status fluctuates, but he has expressed a desire to stay clean for his family and fans.
Q5: What is Bam Margera doing now?
Bam is reportedly working on new projects, including a documentary and podcast, while continuing treatment and rebuilding his life.