'Deadliest Catch' Deckhand Todd Meadows Tragically Dies at 25 While Filming Show's Upcoming Season
A crew member on Deadliest Catch has tragically died while filming the show.
Todd Meadows, a deckhand aboard the Aleutian Lady, sadly passed away on February 25th, Captain Rick Shelford revealed on social media.
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“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,” Captain Rick 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. 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.”
“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,” 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.”
“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,” Captain Rick‘s post concluded. “Rest easy brother, till we meet again.”
Per TMZ, Todd died in a fishing-related incident while filming the Discovery Channel show’s upcoming 22nd season. They were reportedly at the end of the production schedule when the incident happened, according to Deadline.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Todd Meadows,” a spokesperson for the network said in a statement. “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.”
The US Coast Guard is currently investigating the death.
“On February 25, 2026, at 5:05 p.m. 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 USCG sad in a statement, via Deadline. “He was recovered unresponsive by the crew approximately ten minutes later. First aid and attempts to resuscitate were unsuccessful, and the crew transported the deceased to Dutch Harbor.”
“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,” the statement added.
Our thoughts go out to Todd Meadows‘ loved ones during this difficult time. RIP.