The U.S. Coastguard confirmed that deckhand Todd Meadows, who worked aboard the Aleutian Lady ship featured on “Deadliest Catch,” died after falling overboard.
On Feb. 25, shortly after 5 p.m., the fishing vessel notified watch standers at the Arctic District command center in Juneau, Alaska, that a crew member had fallen overboard roughly 170 miles north of Dutch Harbor, a U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson told Page Six.
Crew members reportedly sprung into action and managed to recover Meadows from the water 10 minutes after he fell in, but he was unresponsive. They administered first aid and tried to resuscitate him, but they were unable to revive the 25-year-old deckhand, Page Six reported.
The Bering Sea is considered one most dangerous bodies of water in the world due to unpredictable weather and extremely cold ocean temperatures.
🕊️ “Deadliest Catch” deckhand Todd Meadows has died at 25.
Exclusive details: https://t.co/1nTpakonSR pic.twitter.com/5QGlc0r5IJ
— TMZ (@TMZ) March 2, 2026
The crew transported Meadows’ body to Dutch Harbor. (RELATED: ‘Deadliest Catch’ Star Todd Meadows Dies Tragically At Sea)
The spokesperson told the outlet that the organization is investigating his death, which is standard protocol for all marine casualties and accidents. They will seek to determine the cause of the tragedy and will initiate any corrective actions if required, according to Page Six.
A crowdfunding campaign was organized by Meadows’ loved ones with a goal of $45,000 set to “help support his three boys, assist with funeral expenses, and help ease the financial burden in the months ahead.” Over $37,000 was raised at the time of this writing.
The GoFundMe page notes that Meadows died “while doing what he loved — crabbing out on Alaskan waters.”
Sources previously told TMZ that Meadows “died in a fishing-related incident during filming,” although it remains unclear if Disney captured footage of the incident as the tragedy unfolded.
Captain Rick Shelford announced Meadows’ death in a Facebook post, describing it as “the most tragic day in the history of the Aleutian Lady on the Bering Sea.”
“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 Discovery Channel spokesperson told TMZ.
Meadows is survived by his three sons and loving family.
“Deadliest Catch” stars Nick McGlashan, Nick Mavar, Mahlon Reyes and Blake Painter have also passed away in recent years.