Deadliest Catch star and ‘newest member of crew’ Todd Meadows dies aged 25
Deadliest Catch ‘newest member’ Todd Meadows has died aged 25 (Picture: GoFundMe)
Todd Meadows has died aged 25 while filming Deadliest Catch on the Bering Sea in a ‘fishing related incident’.
He had been working onboard the Aleutian Lady, crabbing in Alaska, when a shocking accident took the newest crew member’s life.
The boat’s captain, Rick Shelford, confirmed the news on Facebook on Monday, calling it the ‘most tragic day in the history of the Aleutian Lady’.
‘We lost our brother, Todd Meadows,’ the captain wrote, confirming Meadows had died on February 25, 2026.
He continued: ‘Todd was the newest member of our crew, he quickly became family. His love for fishing and his strong work ethic earned everyone’s respect right away.
‘His smile was contagious, and the sound of his laughter coming up the wheelhouse stairs or over the deck hailer is something we will carry with us always.’
He was crabbing out in Alaskan waters at the time (Picture: Captain Rick Shelford / Facebook)
‘He worked hard, loved deeply, and brough joy to those around him’ (Picture: Captain Rick Shelford / Facebook)
Meadows died in a ‘fishing related incident’ according to TMZ while filming what is thought to be the long-running show’s 22nd season.
Deadliest Catch first aired in 2005 on the Discovery Channel, giving insight into the incredibly harsh conditions that fishermen in the North Atlantic face.
Captain Shelford added: ‘He worked hard, loved deeply, and brought joy to those around him. Right now, our hearts are broken in a way that words can’t fully express.
‘Todd will forever be part of this boat, this crew, and this brotherhood. Though we lost him far too soon, his legacy will live on through his children and in every memory we carry of him. Rest easy brother, till we meet again.’
A spokesperson for the Discovery Channel also shared a statement, saying they are ‘deeply saddened by the tragic passing’.
Meadows leaves behind three young sons (Picture: Captain Rick Shelford / Facebook)
His family have started a GoFundMe to support funeral costs (Picture: Captain Rick Shelford / Facebook)
‘This is a devastating loss, and our hearts are with his loved ones, his crewmates, and the entire fishing community during this incredibly difficult time’.
A GoFundMe has also been launched to support Meadows’ family, which includes his three young sons, with funeral costs and other expenses.
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They are attempting to raise $28,000 (£20k), with the funds currently sitting at around $23k (£17k) after hundreds of people donated.
Meadows isn’t the only Deadliest Catch loss in recent years as in June 2024, Nick Mavar died suddenly, aged 59.
He had been the longest-running cast member, appearing from 2005 until 2021, when he had to step back due to an appendix-related health scare.
In 2020, deck boss Nick McGlashan died aged 33 and two years before that, Captain Blake Painter was found dead in his home at just 38.
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