‘Deadliest Catch’ Star Todd Meadows Passes Away at 25

Todd Meadows, a cast member on the Discovery Channel’s long-running fishing series “Deadliest Catch,” has died at the age of 25, as reported by Page Six.

Captain Rick Shelford, a fellow star of the show, confirmed Meadows’ death in a Facebook post on Sunday. According to Shelford, Meadows died on Feb. 25.

“February 25, 2026, was the most tragic day in the history of the Aleutian Lady on the Bering Sea,” Shelford wrote. “We lost our brother, Todd Meadows.”

Todd Meadows, a deckhand on the ‘Deadliest Catch,’ has died. His costar, Captain Rick Shelford, described the loss of Meadows as ‘the most tragic day in the history of the Aleutian Lady on the Bering Sea.’ https://t.co/za4yROC3oX

— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) March 2, 2026

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Shelford described Meadows as a recent addition to the crew who quickly became close with his fellow fishermen.

“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,” Shelford wrote.

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He also reflected on Meadows’ personality and presence aboard the vessel.

“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,” Shelford wrote.

Shelford’s post included four photos of Meadows and noted his devotion to his family.

“Todd’s love for his children, his family, and his life was evident in everything he did,” Shelford continued.

“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.”

He asked supporters to remember Meadows’ family in their prayers.

“Lift Todd’s children and family in prayer and keep them in your thoughts,” Shelford wrote, adding that Meadows would “forever be part of this boat, this crew, and this brotherhood.”

Shelford concluded his tribute by writing, “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.”

No official cause of death has been released.

However, TMZ reported that Meadows died during a “fishing-related” incident while cameras for “Deadliest Catch” were rolling. The outlet noted that it was unclear whether the incident was captured on video.

A spokesperson for the Discovery Channel confirmed Meadows’ passing in a statement to TMZ.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Todd Meadows,” the network said. “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.”

“Deadliest Catch” premiered on the Discovery Channel in April 2005 and has aired for more than two decades. The series follows commercial fishing crews working in the Bering Sea under often dangerous conditions. Season 21, the show’s most recent installment, debuted in August 2025.

Representatives for the Discovery Channel did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Page Six.

A GoFundMe page has since been launched in Meadows’ honor. A message posted on the fundraiser reads, “Any donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward honoring his life and ensuring his boys are cared for in the way he would have wanted.”

The message continues, “If you are unable to give, please keep our family in your prayers and his name alive like he wanted.”

Meadows is among several former “Deadliest Catch” cast members who have died in recent years, including Nick McGlashan, Nick Mavar, Mahlon Reyes, and Blake Painter.

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