A spokesperson for Discovery Channel described the loss of Meadows as “devastating.”

Todd Meadows, *Deadliest Catch *deckhand, dies at 25

A spokesperson for Discovery Channel described the loss of Meadows as "devastating."

By Sharareh Drury

on March 2, 2026 4:09 p.m. ET

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Todd Meadows. Credit:

Todd Meadows, a deckhand who appeared on *Deadliest Catch*, died on Feb. 25 at age 25.

Captain Rick Shelford, who stars on the reality series that follows crab fishermen aboard fishing vessels in the Bering Sea, shared the news of Meadows' death on Facebook, describing the loss of Meadows as "the most tragic day in the history of the Aleutian Lady on the Bering Sea."

Shelford wrote, "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."

A Discovery Channel spokesperson also confirmed Meadows' death.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Todd Meadows. 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 spokesperson shared in a statement to EW.

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Todd Meadows, a deckhand on 'Deadliest Catch,' died at age 25.

While no further details as to Meadows' cause of death were shared by Shelford or Discovery, TMZ reports the deckhand died "in a fishing-related incident during filming."

In the wake of his death, a GoFundMe has been set up to support Meadows' family. "We are heartbroken to share the sudden passing of Todd Morgan Meadows, a beloved 25-year-old father, son, brother and friend, who left us far too soon while doing what he loved — crabbing out on Alaskan waters. He was a determined dad to three amazing little boys who were his entire world. Everything he did was for them — their smiles, their futures, and the memories they will carry with them," a statement on the fundraiser page reads.

Nick Mavar, 'Deadliest Catch' deckhand, dies at 59

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In Shelford's tribute post to Meadows, he also shared the love he had for his family and children. "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," Shelford wrote.

"We ask that you lift Todd’s children and family in prayer and keep them in your thoughts as they face the days ahead without him," he continued. "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."

In 2024, deckhand Nick Mavar, who appeared on 17 seasons of *Deadliest Catch*, died at age 59 in Alaska following a medical emergency. Two more *Deadliest Catch *cast members died in 2020 — Nick McGlashan as well as deckhand Mahlon Reyes, who suffered a heart attack at 38.

The Emmy-winning series celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, and premiered season 21 in August 2025. The series continues to air on the Discovery Channel and is available to stream on Discovery+. **

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