UPDATE
Apr 7, 2026 8:46 AM CDT
A young deckhand on the reality show Deadliest Catch died from "drowning and probable hypothermia" after falling overboard into the frigid Bering Sea, reports TMZ. The outlet obtained the death certificate in Alaska for 25-year-old Todd Meadows, which also cites the "submersion of body in cold water" as a factor. The February death was ruled accidental, notes People.
Mar 3, 2026 3:30 AM CST
A 25-year-old newcomer to the world of TV crab fishing died while working aboard a boat featured on Deadliest Catch. Todd Meadows, a rookie deckhand on the Aleutian Lady in the Bering Sea, died Wednesday in what sources told TMZ was a fishing-related incident during filming. The show was nearing the end of filming for its 22nd season when the tragedy struck, and filming is now over, Deadline reports.
Captain Rick Shelford called it the "most tragic day" on his boat and said Meadows quickly earned the crew's respect through his enthusiasm and work ethic. In a Facebook tribute, Shelford described Meadows' laughter and devotion to his children and family, adding that the deckhand "will forever be part of this boat, this crew, and this brotherhood."
A memo was reportedly sent to Deadliest Catch producers after the incident, outlining grief resources for those involved. Discovery Channel said in a statement it was "deeply saddened" by Meadows' death and extended condolences to his family, crewmates, and the fishing community. Meadows is survived by his wife and three children, and a GoFundMe campaign has been launched for the family, People reports.
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