‘Deadliest Catch’ Star Todd Meadows Dies at 25

Todd Meadows, a deckhand on the Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch,” has died at the age of 25, TVLine confirmed. Meadows worked aboard the Alaskan crab fishing vessel, the Aleutian Lady.

Meadows died on February 25, 2026, whereas Season 22 of “Deadliest Catch” was being filmed, according to Deadline. The exact cause of death has not been released, and production on the season has concluded.

Discovery Channel Statement

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Todd Meadows,” a Discovery Channel spokesperson 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 hard time.”

Captain Rick Shelford’s Tribute

Rick Shelford, captain of the Aleutian Lady and also featured on “Deadliest Catch,” described Meadows’ death as “the most tragic day in the history of the Aleutian Lady.” In a Facebook post, Shelford added that “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. Right now, our hearts are broken in a way that words can’t fully express.”

A Dangerous Profession

“Deadliest Catch,” which follows crab fishermen as they harvest Alaskan king crab in the Bering Sea, has documented several tragedies during its two-decade run. The show highlights the inherent dangers of the profession, including 40-foot waves, 700-pound crab pots, and freezing temperatures, as noted in the show’s official description.