Tragic new details have emerged surrounding the passing of “Deadliest Catch” deckhand Todd Meadows, who died at sea last week at just 25 years old.
According to information obtained from TMZ, Meadows tragically fell overboard.
An Investigation Is Open
A Coast Guard spokesperson told the outlet, “On February 25, 2026, at 5:05 PM local Alaska time, Coast Guard watchstanders at the Arctic District command center in Juneau received notification from the fishing vessel Aleutian Lady, reporting that a crew member by the name of Todd Meadows fell overboard approximately 170 miles north of Dutch Harbor.”
The source added he was recovered roughly 10 minutes later.
“First aid and attempts to resuscitate were unsuccessful, and the crew transported the deceased to Dutch Harbor,” the source continued.
The spokesperson added, “The Coast Guard is currently investigating this situation. As the nation’s leading marine safety organization, the Coast Guard investigates marine casualties and accidents to uncover their causes and initiate necessary corrective actions.”
Sources previously indicated that Meadows’ passing stemmed from a fishing-related incident during filming, according to the outlet.
It remains unclear whether cameras captured what happened.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Discovery Channel said, “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 GoFundMe Has Been Established
Captain Rick Shelford confirmed the heartbreaking news Monday and shared a tribute to the rookie deckhand.
“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. “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 continued, “Right now, our hearts are broken in a way that words can’t fully express. 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.”
A GoFundMe has since been launched to support Meadows’ children as the fishing community mourns his loss.
It has raised over $30,000 at the time of writing.
Meadows was a father to three children.
“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. If you are unable to give, please keep our family in your prayers and his name alive like he wanted,” the GoFundMe stated.
The Coast Guard investigation remains ongoing.
