Deadliest Catch star Todd Meadows passed away on Wednesday while filming the Discovery Channel show in the Bering Sea, as Captain Rick Shelford revealed in a social media post on Monday.

The 25-year-old was a rookie deckhand on the Aleutian Lady in the Bering Sea, located between Alaska and Siberia, which is known for its intense, violent storms and winter sea ice. According to TMZ, Todd died in a “fishing-related incident” during filming for season 22 of Deadliest Catch.

Captain Rick shared a touching tribute to his late crew member via Facebook on Monday, which read: “February 25, 2026, was the most tragic day in the history of the Aleutian Lady on the Bering Sea. We lost our brother, Todd Meadows.”

Todd meadows Deadliest Catch© Facebook
Todd passed away during filming of Deadliest Catch

“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,” Rick continued. “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.”

“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,” the captain explained. “Right now, our hearts are broken in a way that words can’t fully express.”

He added that 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.”

todd meadows deadliest catch© Facebook
He was a rookie deckhand on the Aleutian Lady

“Rest easy, brother, till we meet again,” Rick concluded. A spokesperson for the Discovery Channel also shared a statement in the wake of Todd’s death, sharing that they were “deeply saddened” by his passing.

“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.” Todd, who was a father to three sons, was remembered by the mother of his children, Kennady Harvey, in an emotional message on social media.

Todd meadows deadliest catch© Facebook
Todd’s captain shared the news via social media

“I don’t have words, nothing I do or say will bring you back,” she wrote on Facebook. “Not only were you my children’s father, but you were my best friend.”

todd meadows kennady harvey© Facebook
The mother of his children shared a touching tribute in the wake of his loss

“You passed doing what you loved, and that brings me a little bit of comfort knowing that,” she added. “I promise I will never let the boys forget you. We will talk about you every day, visit you, show them every picture and video and all of our cool spots.”

todd meadows deadliest catch© Facebook
He was a father of three sons

Todd’s sister, Rozlyn Meadows, shared a tribute of her own on Facebook, which read: “I love my brother so dearly and I’m so glad so many other people got to know him as well! He will be so missed.”

Fishing in the Bering Sea is notoriously dangerous, yet it is one of the most productive areas for salmon, cod, pollock and crab. Deadliest Catch has been on air since 2005, and showcases the harsh conditions that fisherfolk face in their jobs.