Jeffery Allan Mayhem Thompson, 40, was killed on December 8, 2004, at the Alrosa Villa nightclub in Columbus, Ohio. He worked as head of security for the band Damageplan and is remembered as a gentle giant who put others first. During the band’s performance a gunman, Nathan Gale, opened fire. Thompson tackled the shooter in an effort to protect band members and concertgoers and was shot twice in the chest; he later died of his wounds.

The rampage also killed Damageplan guitarist Dimebag Darrell Abbott, audience member Nathan Bray, and club employee Erin Halk. The first officer on scene, James Niggemeyer, shot and killed Nathan Gale within seconds of arriving. The Alrosa Villa later added stricter security measures, including metal detectors. Thompson’s family, friends, and fans continue to honor his memory.