- May 1 Sam Mele, American MLB outfielder/manager (Minnesota Twins record 102 wins 1965), dies at 95
- May 5 Adolph Kiefer, American swimmer (Olympic gold 100m backstroke 1936), dies at 98
- May 6 Steven Holcomb, American Bobsledder (Olympic gold, 2010), dies in his sleep, with mix of alcohol and prescription medication found in his blood, at 37
- May 11 Yale Lary, American NFL safety Hall of Famer (Detroit Lions), dies at 86
- May 12 Michael Jackson, American NFL wide receiver (NFL receiving TD leader 1996; Baltimore Ravens), dies in a motorcycle accident at 48
- May 14 Frank Brian, American basketball guard (NBA All-Star 1951, 52; Fort Wayne Pistons), dies at 94
- May 18 Jim McElreath, American auto racer (California 500, 1970), dies at 89
- May 22 Nicky Hayden, American motorcycle racer (MotoGP Champion 2006), dies after being hit by a car at 35
- May 23 Cortez Kennedy, American NFL defensive tackle (Seattle Seahawks)dies at 48
Jim Bunning (1931-2017)
May 26 American Baseball HOF pitcher (9 x MLB All-Star; perfect game 1964; no-hitter 1958; Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies) and politician (US Senator Kentucky 1999-2011; US Representative 1987-99), dies of a stroke at 85
- May 26 John Severson, founder of 'Surfer' magazine and artist (known for his depictions of surf culture), dies of cancer at 83
Baseball Players
Basketball Stars
Boxers
Footballers
NFL Stars
Tennis Champions