Life after a public tragedy is never quite what people expect. It’s messy. It’s quiet. For those who followed the high-octane world of History Channel’s Ax Men, the name Rygaard carries a lot of weight. Specifically, the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Gabe Rygaard in 2016 left a massive void not just in the logging community of Port Angeles, but in the hearts of viewers who watched him for seasons. But while the cameras eventually stopped rolling, the life of his widow continued. Many have wondered lately, did Katy Rygaard remarry, or has she stayed focused solely on the family business and her children?
Loss is heavy. When Gabe passed away in that three-vehicle crash on Highway 101, he left behind a legacy of grit and a family that was very much the center of his world. Katy was his bedrock. For a long time after the accident, the public saw a woman grieving deeply while trying to navigate the impossible task of raising three kids without their father.
Moving forward without moving on
The question of whether someone "remarries" often feels like a binary search for a happy ending. But the reality for the Rygaard family was far more nuanced. Katy didn't just disappear into the woods of the Pacific Northwest. She had to manage the emotional fallout of a very public death while maintaining some semblance of privacy for her children.
Honestly, it’s a tough tightrope to walk. People want to know if she's found happiness, yet there's often this unspoken expectation that widows of "legendary" figures should remain symbols of that past life forever. That's not fair. It's not human.
So, to answer the burning question: Yes, Katy Rygaard did remarry.
The 2019 Wedding: A New Chapter
About three years after the tragic loss of Gabe, Katy found love again. Public records and wedding registries, specifically through platforms like The Knot, confirm that Katy Rygaard married Robert Lightfoot II on August 10, 2019. The ceremony took place in Sequim, Washington. It’s a beautiful, coastal area not far from Port Angeles, where the Rygaard logging legacy was built. This wasn't a media circus. It wasn't a PR stunt. It was a private woman choosing to open her heart again after a period of intense mourning.
- The wedding occurred roughly three years after Gabe's passing.
- The event was held locally in the Pacific Northwest.
- Since then, Katy has largely stayed out of the reality TV spotlight.
Transitioning from being "the wife of a reality star" to a private citizen with a new partner isn't a simple process. Robert Lightfoot II is a relatively private individual, which seems to suit Katy’s current lifestyle perfectly. She’s moved away from the "Ax Men" brand, at least in terms of being a public-facing figure for the show's fandom.
Why the Rygaard legacy still lingers
Gabe Rygaard was a polarizing, larger-than-life character. He was the boss. He was tough. Because of that "tough guy" persona, fans felt a deep connection to his family. When people ask did Katy Rygaard remarry, they aren't just looking for gossip. They are looking for a resolution to a story that ended far too abruptly in 2016.
The Rygaard Logging company faced its own set of challenges after Gabe’s death and the passing of his father, Craig Rygaard, later on. The family business that dominated the airwaves for years underwent massive shifts. Katy’s decision to move forward with Robert Lightfoot II marks a clear boundary between the "show life" and her "real life."
The reality of grief and growth
It’s important to realize that remarrying doesn't mean forgetting. In her early posts after Gabe’s death, Katy was incredibly vocal about him being her "best friend." You don't just "get over" that. You carry it.
I’ve seen this happen with many families in the public eye. There’s a period of intense scrutiny, then a period of silence, and then—if they’re lucky—a second act. Katy’s second act seems focused on stability. Living in Washington, staying close to her kids, and building a life with Robert.
Some fans might feel a bit of "loyalty" to Gabe and find the news of a remarriage bittersweet. That's understandable. But the human element here is that life is for the living. Katy spent years honoring Gabe's memory and ensuring their children were taken care of. Finding a partner like Robert Lightfoot II is a testament to resilience, not a dismissal of the past.
Where is Katy Rygaard now?
Today, Katy keeps a much lower profile than she did during the height of the Ax Men fame. She isn't chasing the "influencer" lifestyle. You won't find her doing "where are they now" specials every six months. Instead, she’s living the life of a typical Washingtonian—focusing on family, her new marriage, and the growth of her children.
If you are looking for her on social media, don't expect a lot of public-facing content about the "glory days" of logging. She has transitioned into a private life that prioritizes the present.
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Navigating life after "Ax Men"
The logging industry is dangerous. The show made that clear. But the aftermath of the show—the personal toll of fame and loss—is often even more treacherous. Katy’s path is actually quite inspiring when you look at the stats of how families crumble after such high-profile trauma. She stayed grounded. She stayed local. She chose a partner who seems to value privacy as much as she does.
When we talk about whether Katy Rygaard remarried, we are really talking about the possibility of healing.
If you're a fan of the show, the best way to respect that legacy is to appreciate the closure she has found. She isn't "the widow Rygaard" anymore; she is a woman who has built a blended, forward-looking life.
Practical Steps for Following the Rygaard Legacy Respectfully:
- Respect her privacy: If you find her personal social media profiles, remember she is no longer a public performer. Avoid commenting on her new marriage with comparisons to the past.
- Support local logging history: The Rygaard name is still legendary in Port Angeles. If you're in the area, the local history of the industry is a better way to connect with Gabe's memory than digging into Katy's private life.
- Re-watch with perspective: When watching old episodes of Ax Men, remember that these were real people with real stakes. The "drama" was their actual livelihood.
- Acknowledge the timeline: Healing takes time. Katy waited years before entering a new marriage, showing a measured and thoughtful approach to her family's future.
The story of the Rygaard family didn't end on a highway in 2016. It just changed chapters. Katy’s marriage to Robert Lightfoot II is simply the latest page in a story about moving forward while holding onto the lessons of the past.