Todd Meadows, one of the stars of the hit fishing reality show “Deadliest Catch,” has died. He was 25.
Fellow “Deadliest Catch” star Captain Rick Shelford confirmed Meadows’ death in an emotional Facebook post on Sunday. He reportedly passed away on Feb. 25.
“February 25, 2026, was the most tragic day in the history of the Aleutian Lady on the Bering Sea,” Shelford began. “We lost our brother, Todd Meadows.”
He continued, “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.”
Shelford went on to write that the “Deadliest Catch” star’s “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,” Shelford continued his post, which included four pics of Meadows. “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.”
After asking fans to “lift Todd’s children and family in prayer and keep them in your thoughts,” he said that Meadows would “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,” Shelford concluded. “Rest easy brother, till we meet again.”
Although no cause of death has been confirmed, a source claimed to TMZ that Meadows died during a “fishing-related” incident while “Deadliest Catch” cameras were rolling.
However, the outlet noted that it was unclear whether Meadows’ death was caught on tape.
A spokesperson for the Discovery Channel, meanwhile, confirmed Meadows’ passing further in a statement to TMZ.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Todd Meadows,” the network said. “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” has aired on the Discovery Channel since its premiere in April 2005. Season 21, the reality show’s most recent season, premiered in August 2025.
Reps for the Discovery Channel did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment. A GoFundMe for Meadows has since been launched in his honor.
“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,” a message on the fundraiser page reads. “If you are unable to give, please keep our family in your prayers and his name alive like he wanted.”
Other “Deadliest Catch” stars who have passed away in recent years include Nick McGlashan, Nick Mavar, Mahlon Reyes and Blake Painter.
