‘Deadliest Catch’ Deckhand Todd Meadows Dies At 25

Todd Meadows, who appeared as a deckhand on Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch” has died at sea, according to a statement posted on Facebook by Captain Rick Shelford.

Paige Knutson, GoFundMe

Todd Meadows, who appeared as a deckhand on Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch has died, according to a statement posted on Facebook by Captain Rick Shelford.

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

A staple on Discovery Channel since 2005, Deadliest Catch chronicles the high-risk world of commercial crab fishing in the Bering Sea. Filmed aboard working vessels during the Alaskan king and snow crab seasons, the reality series is known for its raw depiction of towering waves, freezing temperatures and the physical and emotional toll of life at sea.

Born in 2000, Todd Meadows reportedly died “in a fishing-related incident” while on board on board the Aleutian Lady on the Bering Sea.

Meadows is survived by his three sons; his parents; his siblings; and extended family members who will carry forward his memory and spirit.

A GoFundMe has been started in an effort to raise money for Meadows’ family. In the fundraiser’s description, it was confirmed that Meadows died while “crabbing out on Alaskan waters.”

“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,” wrote Paige Knutson on GoFundMe. “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.”