Filming plans for season 22 of Discovery Channel’s reality series Deadliest Catch have been revealed after Todd Meadows died in “dangerous” conditions at sea.
Trey John Green III, who was on board the Bering Sea fishing vessel Aleutian Lady when Meadows fell to his death on February 25, insisted on Tuesday that filming would resume by the end of the week.
Director Green explained, “I’m returning home for a few days and then heading back to Dutch (Alaska port) to finish the season,” and pointed out that “Discovery was in the middle of filming” when the incident occurred.
However, one network source said it was at the end of a production cycle when the accident occurred, noting that the Aleutian Lady was the last ship of Season 22 still at sea.
Contrary to Green’s statements, sources claimed that filming for the season has already been completed.
A representative for Discovery Channel did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment regarding the status of production on Season 22.
In a brief exchange, Green described Meadows, 25, as a “rock star” and said the crew’s fishing expedition was a “great story” that “unfortunately ended in tragedy.”
“We all tried our best to save him, but it was not easy at sea,” he lamented.
In particular, the Bering Sea is known for its shallow depth, unstable weather, and extremely cold water temperatures, making it one of the most dangerous bodies of water in the world.
Earlier Tuesday, a U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson told Page Six that shortly after 5 p.m. local time on February 25, observers at the Arctic Command Center in Juneau, Alaska, were notified that the Meadows had fallen overboard about 170 miles north of Dutch Harbor.
I heard that the ship was pulled out of the water by the crew about 10 minutes later.
They administered first aid to the unresponsive new deckhand and attempted to revive him, but were unsuccessful.
Crews then transported Meadows’ body to Dutch Harbor.
The USCG spokesperson added that the situation is currently being investigated, as with all marine casualties and casualties, to determine the cause and initiate any necessary corrective actions.
Captain Rick Shelford announced Meadows’ death in a heartbreaking Facebook post over the weekend, calling it “the most tragic day in the history of the Aleutian Lady of the Bering Sea.”
Shelford called Meadows, “the newest member of (their) crew,” a “brother.”
“His love of fishing and his strong work ethic quickly earned everyone’s respect. His smile was contagious and his laugh, heard across the wheelhouse steps and deck calls, is something we will always carry with us,” Shelford said.
“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.”
Shelford said she was “heartbroken beyond words” and asked everyone to “raise Todd’s children and family in your prayers and keep them in your thoughts as we prepare for the days ahead without him.”
“Todd will forever be a part of this ship, this crew, and this brotherhood. We lost him too soon, but his legacy will live on through his children and in all the memories we have of him. Rest assured, brother, until we meet again.”
Meadows’ grandmother, Ira Meadows, reposted Mr Shelford’s “heartfelt tribute” to her late grandson and thanked him for his “heartfelt and heartfelt message.”
She also “liked” a comment asking if Todd fell into the ocean and another comment that said the area was “dangerous.”
It is unclear whether Discovery Channel cameras captured the ordeal on tape.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Todd Meadows,” the network said in a statement after the report. “This is a devastating loss and our hearts are with his loved ones, his crew and the entire fishing community at this incredibly difficult time.”
One of Todd’s loved ones has since set up a GoFundMe page, asking for donations to “support his three sons, help with funeral costs, and ease the financial burden of the coming months.”
