Tragic details of Deadliest Catch star Todd Meadows’ death revealed

A spokesman for the US Coast Guard (USCG) told Page Six that on February 25 just after 5pm local time, watch standers at the Arctic District command centre in Juneau, Alaska, were notified by the fishing vessel Aleutian Lady that 25-year-old Mr Meadows, a crew member, had fallen overboard approximately 273 kilometres north of Dutch Harbor in remote western Alaska.

The publication was told Meadows was recovered from the water by crew members about 10 minutes later. He was unresponsive, so they administered first aid and attempted to resuscitate him but were unsuccessful.

The crew then transported Meadows’ body to Dutch Harbor.

The USCG spokesman added that the organisation is currently investigating the situation, as it does with all marine casualties and accidents to uncover their causes and initiate necessary corrective actions.

Captain Rick Shelford announced the rookie deckhand’s death in a heartbreaking Facebook post over the weekend, describing it as “the most tragic day in the history of the Aleutian Lady on the Bering Sea”.

Meadows died on February 25. Picture: Todd Meadows/Facebook

Notably, the Bering Sea is known for its shallow depth, volatile weather and extremely cold sea temperatures, making it one of the most dangerous bodies of water in the world.

In his post, Mr Shelford referred to Mr Meadows — who was “the newest member of [their] crew” — as a “brother”.

“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,” Mr Shelford shared.

“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.”

Mr Shelford noted that his heart is “broken in a way that words can’t fully express” before asking everyone to “lift Todd’s children and family in prayer and keep them in your thoughts as they face the days ahead without him”.

He 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”.

He was a father of three. Picture: Todd Meadows/Facebook

Sources previously told entertainment website TMZ that Mr Meadows “died in a fishing-related incident during filming,” while a GoFundMe fundraising paghe later set up in his name elaborated that he was “crabbing out on Alaskan waters”.

It’s unclear whether Discovery Channel cameras caught the ordeal on tape.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Todd Meadows,” the network said in a statement. “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.”

Mr Meadows’ loved one who launched the GoFundMe page asked for donations to “help support his three boys, assist with funeral expenses, and help ease the financial burden in the months ahead”.

Other Deadliest Catch stars who have died in recent years include Nick McGlashan, Nick Mavar, Mahlon Reyes and Blake Painter.

This article originally appeared in Page Six and was reproduced with permission.