Deadliest Catch star Todd Meadows, 25, died while filming on the Aleutian Lady.
Deadliest Catch star Todd Meadows, 25, died while filming on the Aleutian Lady.
The Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch reality series has tragically lived up to its name with the death of one of the show’s brightest stars while filming.
Deadliest Catch star Todd Meadows, 25, was working on fishing vessel Aleutian Lady for the 22nd series of the reality show when he tragicallydied.
His passing was confirmed by one of his co-stars, Captain Rick Shelford, in an emotional post on Facebook.
“February 25, 2026, was the most tragic day in the history of the Aleutian Lady on the Bering Sea – we lost our brother, Todd Meadows,” he shared.
“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.”
Although no cause of death has been confirmed, a source claimed to TMZ that Todd died during a “fishing-related” incident while cameras were rolling. It is unclear if any of the footage was captured on camera.
A spokesperson also issued the following statement to the publication:
“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”.
Filming for the current series has paused and a GoFundMe has been set up for Todd’s wife and children.
“Any donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward honouring his life and ensuring his boys are cared for in the way he would have wanted,” the fundraiser page reads.
“If you are unable to give, please keep our family in your prayers and his name alive like he wanted.”
Deadliest Catch premiered on the Discovery Channel in April 2005.
Todd’s death isn’t the first for the series, whose 21st series aired in August 2025. Other stars who have gone before him, devastating the fishing world, include Nick McGlashan, Nick Mavar, Mahlon Reyes and Blake Painter.
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