Richard Biggs who played Dr Stephen Franklin died suddenly on 22 May. He collapse while making breakfast for his family and it is likely he either had a massive stroke or an aneurism.

He was only 43. He leaves behind a wife, Lori, and two young sons.

The following message has appeared in the Melissa Gilbert/Bruce Boxleitner official site

Quote:

---

Dear Friends,

Bruce and I are deeply saddened at the news of the passing of Rick Biggs. We have spent the last day speaking with many of our Babylon 5 colleagues and sharing with them our collective grief.

We also spent a good part of yesterday looking through our personal photo albums and watching videos of the many events we all celebrated together. The one thing that struck us is that in every photo, on every foot of tape we have, Rick is smiling and dancing with his beautiful Lori.

He loved her so very much....and she loved him so.

We are heartbroken for Lori, their sons, R.J. and Hunter and Rick's entire family.

There is a trust fund being set up for the boys and as soon as we have the information we will make sure it is posted on our site.

Rick was one of the good guys. Always smiling, always light. He was the heart of the B5 family.

Our heart is gone but we will cling to our memories and carry the spirit of our dear friend for the rest of our days.

---

http://www.gilbert-boxleitner.com/

Richard Biggs IMDb file

Yeah, I heard about this... JMS also released a statement.

So sad.

From The Zocolo/Galactic Gateway:

MEMORIAL CHAT FOR RICHARD BIGGS:
On Wednesday, June 2, the Galatic Gateway will host a chat in memory
of Richard Biggs. The chat will be conducted at The Galactic
Gateway's Yahoo site, located at
<http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/thegalacticgateway>.

The chat will begin at 10pm EDT (7pm PDT). At 10:10 EDT (7:10),
there will be a moment of silence in honor of Rick. At the end,
everyone will be asked to light a candle in Rick's memory.

The chat will give people (cast members included), a chance to
reminisce about their friend, Richard Biggs. For more information
about the chat, go to The Galactic Gateway
<http://www.thegalacticgateway.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=445">The
Galactic Gateway>. The chat will last about 30 minutes, but people
can remain afterward to chat as well.

For those who will be unable to attend the chat, we encourage you to
take a moment to remember Richard Biggs. He was a fine actor, a
loving father and husband, and a wonderful friend.