One week after the tragic passing of “Deadliest Catch” star Todd Meadows, new details have emerged about the weeks leading up to his death.
Meadows—who passed away last week at age 25—was forced to take a medical leave one month before his passing after suffering a “a blow to the head while working aboard the Aleutian Lady,” according to Page Six.
Todd Meadows Suffered Head Injury Before His Death
Following the head injury, it was determined that Meadows suffered a concussion, TMZ reported on Wednesday, March 4. He recovered with his family at home in Washington and returned to work after his medical leave.
“The last photo I got of him was when he was building a fire,” Meadows’ mom, Angela Meadows, told the outlet. “He was listening to music in the moment and was so happy. That’s how I want to remember him.”
According to TMZ, “The family does not blame the TV production for the concussion, and there’s no word on whether the concussion or the production are tied in any way to his fatal incident.”
The ship’s captain, Rick Shelford, announced the tragic news of Meadows’ passing via social media on Monday, March 2, calling it “the most tragic day in the history of the Aleutian Lady on the Bering Sea.”
“We lost our brother, Todd Meadows,” 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.”
He added, “Right now, our hearts are broken in a way that words can’t fully express.”
Family Launches GoFundMe to Support Todd Meadows’ Children
Meadows left behind three young sons at the time of his death.
“Todd’s love for his children, his family, and his life was evident in everything he did. He worked hard, loved deeply, and brought joy to those around him,” Shelford wrote in his announcement. “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.”
Following his passing, a GoFundMe was set up to raise funds to support his children. The family is aiming to raise $55,000.
“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,” the fundraiser reads. “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.”
