'Deadliest Catch' Deckhand Todd Meadows Dead at 25

Todd Meadows, a deckhand who appeared on Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch," has died at the age of 25.

Meadows died on Wednesday, Feb. 25. No official cause of death has been released.

TMZ reported that he died during a fishing-related incident that occurred while filming the series.

Captain Rick Shelford, who worked with Meadows aboard the Aleutian Lady, announced the death in a Facebook post on Monday.

The tribute included several photos of Meadows on the job and described the impact of his loss on the crew.

"February 25, 2026 was the most tragic day in the history of the Aleutian Lady on the Bering Sea," 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," he added.

Shelford also reflected on Meadows' role as a father and family member.

"Todd's love for his children, his family, and his life was evident in everything he did," said Shelford. "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. 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."

The post concluded, "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. Rest easy brother, till we meet again."

Meadows had three sons.

A fundraiser established in his name states that he died while "crabbing out on Alaskan waters."

"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," the GoFundMe page reads. "If you are unable to give, please keep our family in your prayers and his name alive like he wanted."

Discovery Channel also addressed the death in a statement shared with People.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Todd Meadows," the statement says. "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."

"Deadliest Catch," produced by Fremantle's Original Productions, follows multiple vessels fishing for Alaskan king crab on the Bering Sea. Season 21 concluded in fall 2025, and Season 22 is expected to air in 2026.

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