Tragic details surrounding the death of Deadliest Catch cast member Todd Meadows have been revealed.
A U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson told Page Six that just after 5 p.m. local time on February 25, observers at the Arctic Command Center in Juneau, Alaska, received a report from the fishing vessel Aleutian Lady that a crew member, Meadows, 25, had fallen overboard about 170 miles north of Dutch Harbor.
The Meadows was reportedly pulled from the water by crew members about 10 minutes later. When he was unresponsive, first aid was administered and attempts to revive him 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 the rookie deckhand’s death in a heartbreaking Facebook post over the weekend, calling it “the most tragic day in the history of the Aleutian Lady in the Bering Sea.”
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.
In his post, Mr. Shelford called Mr. Meadows, who was “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.”
Ms Shelford said her heart was “broken beyond words” and asked everyone to “hold Todd’s children and family in your prayers and keep them in your thoughts as they face 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.”
A source previously told TMZ that Meadows “passed away in a fishing-related accident during filming,” but a GoFundMe later set up in his name detailed that Meadows was “fishing in Alaskan waters.”
It is unclear whether Discovery Channel cameras captured the ordeal on tape.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Todd Meadows,” the station said in a statement. “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.”
Meadows’ loved ones have set up a GoFundMe page asking for donations “to support her three sons, help with funeral costs, and ease the financial burden of the coming months.”
Other Deadliest Catch stars who have passed away in recent years include Nick McGlashan, Nick Maver, Marlon Reyes and Blake Painter.
