The Tragic And Untold Story Of April McDaniel’s Husband: 5 Shocking Facts About The Celebrity Bodyguard

Contents
The story of April McDaniel’s husband is far more complex and tragic than many realize, a dramatic chapter she has candidly shared in recent years. While April McDaniel is now widely known as the powerhouse founder of the creative agency Crown + Conquer and the co-host of the popular *Everybody’s Crazy* podcast with her best friend, Savannah James, her personal life was rocked by an unimaginable loss over a decade ago. As of December 2025, she is a single mother and a successful CEO who has turned her grief into a platform for empowerment. The man she married was a famous "bodyguard-to-the-stars" whose life ended in a bizarre and shocking manner, a story that defines her resilience and modern career success. This article delves into the little-known details of her late husband's life, the circumstances of his death, and April McDaniel's powerful journey from widowhood to becoming a leading figure in the world of brand strategy and media.

April McDaniel: A Quick Profile and Biography

April McDaniel is a highly successful entrepreneur and media personality, but she is also a dedicated mother who has navigated the challenges of immense personal tragedy. She has become an influential figure, particularly through her candid discussions on motherhood, grief, and business.
  • Full Name: April McDaniel
  • Current Age: Approximately 45 (Born c. 1980–1982, based on being 33 when widowed and turning 43 around 2023)
  • Birthplace: United States
  • Marital Status: Widow
  • Late Husband: Norman Oosterbroek
  • Children: Two sons
  • Profession: Entrepreneur, Creative Agency CEO, Podcast Host
  • Company: Founder and CEO of Crown + Conquer (creative agency)
  • Podcast: Co-host of *Everybody’s Crazy* with Savannah James
  • Notable Clients: Heineken, LeBron James & Maverick Carter's SpringHill, Google, Jen Atkins

The Late Husband: Who Was Norman Oosterbroek?

The man April McDaniel married in 2009 was Norman Oosterbroek, a towering figure in the world of celebrity personal protection. He was not just a bodyguard; he was an elite security specialist known for his imposing size and Dutch origins, earning him the nickname "The Dutch Giant." The couple was married in a lavish ceremony at the New York Botanical Garden in 2009, a seemingly picture-perfect start to a life together. However, their marriage was tragically cut short just a few years later. Norman Oosterbroek had an extensive and high-profile career protecting some of the world's biggest names. His client list reads like a who's who of global celebrity and politics, cementing his status as one of the most in-demand bodyguards of his era.

Norman Oosterbroek’s High-Profile Clients:

  • Jay-Z and Beyoncé
  • Lady Gaga
  • Rihanna
  • Nelson Mandela (former bodyguard)
He was an integral part of the celebrity ecosystem, often seen flanking his famous clients on red carpets, international tours, and high-stakes events. His reputation was built on his professionalism and ability to handle intense situations, making the circumstances of his death all the more shocking.

The Shocking Details of Norman Oosterbroek's Death

April McDaniel became a widow at the age of 33, a devastating event she has described as a defining moment in her life. The death of her husband, Norman Oosterbroek, occurred in a bizarre and tragic incident that made international headlines in September 2013. He was only 43 years old at the time of his passing. The details of the event are a stark contrast to his professional image and have been a source of intense media speculation over the years.

The Incident and Cause of Death:

  1. The Event: The incident took place in Pinecrest, Miami, Florida, on September 2, 2013.
  2. Bizarre Circumstances: Oosterbroek was reportedly naked when he broke into a neighbor's home. He allegedly assaulted the homeowner, who subsequently called the police.
  3. Police Intervention: When police arrived, Oosterbroek was combative and was subsequently subdued with a Taser gun.
  4. Tragic Outcome: He was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The official cause of death was later linked to a sudden cardiac arrest following the incident.
  5. Underlying Factors: Subsequent reports suggested that Oosterbroek had been dealing with personal struggles, and toxicology reports indicated the presence of cocaine and other drugs in his system at the time of his death.
April McDaniel has since spoken candidly about the profound grief and the challenges of suddenly becoming a single mother to their two young sons. Her transparency has resonated deeply with her audience on the *Everybody's Crazy* podcast, where she discusses the intricacies of life, including the complications of married life and the process of healing.

April McDaniel’s Journey from Widowhood to CEO Success

The loss of her husband served as a catalyst for April McDaniel’s professional pivot and her eventual rise to entrepreneurial prominence. Instead of retreating from the public eye, she channeled her energy into building a legacy for herself and her children.

Founding Crown + Conquer:

In 2016, a few years after her husband's death, McDaniel founded Crown + Conquer, a woman-owned and minority-led creative agency based in Los Angeles. The company specializes in building cultural relevance for global brands through strategy, storytelling, and immersive experiences.

The agency’s name itself, Crown + Conquer, speaks to her personal journey—wearing her crown (her identity and strength) while conquering the challenges life threw at her. Under her leadership, the agency quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach, securing major clients like Google and Heineken.

The *Everybody’s Crazy* Podcast:

McDaniel’s partnership with Savannah James, the wife of NBA superstar LeBron James, on the *Everybody’s Crazy* podcast, has given her a massive platform. The podcast, which launched in recent years, is a safe space where the two friends discuss everything from parenting and relationships to career and the complexities of being a woman in the modern world.

On the show, McDaniel has shared her personal story of loss and grief, emphasizing the importance of honesty and transparency in relationships and life. This vulnerability has connected her with an audience seeking real, unfiltered conversations, contrasting the often-curated perfection seen on social media. Her ability to discuss the trauma of losing her husband and raising her sons while simultaneously running a successful business has cemented her reputation as a resilient and inspiring public figure.

april mcdaniel husband
april mcdaniel husband

Detail Author:

  • Name : Sydney Klein
  • Username : cayla64
  • Email : russel.francis@hotmail.com
  • Birthdate : 1976-08-22
  • Address : 63099 Wilson Burgs Suite 651 Lake Jadenborough, NY 29790
  • Phone : 223.597.6567
  • Company : Raynor-Hudson
  • Job : Bartender
  • Bio : Sequi non quis tenetur suscipit et fugiat earum. Ducimus ipsa nam quasi quia. Aut ut ut modi.

Socials

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/cali_dev
  • username : cali_dev
  • bio : Dolore accusantium dolorem voluptatem explicabo sit. In quaerat sed modi sed nostrum culpa. Sequi autem omnis quasi earum.
  • followers : 6468
  • following : 2944

facebook:

  • url : https://facebook.com/caltenwerth
  • username : caltenwerth
  • bio : Iusto quas in animi labore consequatur asperiores corrupti amet.
  • followers : 2361
  • following : 2241

linkedin:

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/cali3194
  • username : cali3194
  • bio : Dicta vitae corrupti quae. Officia quod ea autem vel ducimus.
  • followers : 1485
  • following : 1102