Professional skateboarding has exploded in popularity over the past few decades, but the best skaters weren’t always seen as the celebrities they are today. During the 1980’s, some of the 1st “skate stars” were born with the help of VHS skate videos, thrusting some of the most talented unknowns into a life of super stardom, fame, and riches. On this week's episode, we examine Mark “Gator” Rogowski, a pro athlete who was once as popular as famed skateboarder Tony Hawk. But when Mark Rogowski’s rags to riches lifestyle got the better of him, his ego became bigger than the sport itself. As his popularity began freefalling in 1991, 22-year-old Jessica Bergsten suddenly went missing after a night with Mark. She was last seen entering his apartment… but when eventually questioned by police, “Gator” told them he just wasn’t sure where she had gone…

Written by Michael Dunphy Jr., Executive Produced by Michael Ojibway. 

Special Thanks to Jenny Almeida & Nicholas Calitri.

 

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Written/Audio Sources: 

Mark "Gator" Anthony beats, rapes, strangles Jessica Bergsten, buries her in desert. 

Wikipedia: Mark Rogowski

Mark Rogowski

Wikipedia: Vision Street Wear

Del Mar Skate Ranch

Mark Gonzales

Christian Hosoi

Blind Skateboards

World Industries

Free Fallin'

Gleaming the Cube

Street skateboarding

Vert skateboarding

Mount Trashmore Park

Mark "Gator" Rogowski: Free Fallin'

Ex-pro skateboarder 'Gator' Rogowski up for parole again

Stoked the Rise and Fall of Gator

Hard Copy Mark "Gator" Rogowski story 1991

Gator Radio Mic Demo (1987)

Skateboard World Cup 1988 Germany Part 7 Gator Interview

Mark "Gator" Rogowski on Flip 1988

Mark "Gator" Rogowki insane ramblings

Words from Gator Mark Anthony 

Commentary - Sure-Grip Beach Style

Mark Gator Rogowski street skating

Tony Hawk's first ever 900!

Mark Gator Rogowski in prison (RARE footage 2016)

Former pro skateboarder convicted of murder granted parole

Skateboarding star convicted of murder up for parole hearing

Gov. Newsom denies parole for former pro skateboarder

Fourth parole hearing for skateboarder and convicted murderer Mark "Gator" Rogowski

Music & Sound Effect Sources

• Opening Track: The Passage of Time - ivanov93
• Closing Track: Scammer - Cushy

Music & Sound Effect Sources

All music and sound effects used with express permission under unlimited blanket license authority from Epidemic Sound ® and SoundStripe ®.  Individual sources are available via request at [email protected]

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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