Death of Deadliest Catch star Todd Meadows under investigation by Coast Guard after he ‘fell overboard’
The 25 year old's death was announced on Monday, as devastated Captain Rick Shelford paid tribute to his crew-mate.
An investigation is currently in progress into the circumstances surrounding the death of Deadliest Catch star Todd Meadows, who tragically passed away last week at the age of 25.
Meadows is understood to have died on February 25, after he reportedly ‘fell overboard’ with Deadline reporting that the Deadliest Catch team were capturing him and his colleagues fishing for crabs on the Bering Sea.
At the time of the announcement of his death, the outlet also revealed that the details surrounding his death are unclear - with the Coast Guard now formally investigating to discover the chain of events that led to the tragedy.
On Tuesday, March 3, a spokesperson for the United States Coast Guard Arctic District revealed that Meadows was on the job when he ‘fell overboard' shortly after 5 p.m. local time in Alaska.
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“Coast Guard watchstanders at the Arctic District command center in Juneau received notification from the fishing vessel Aleutian Lady, reporting that a crew member by the name of Todd Meadows fell overboard approximately 170 miles north of Dutch Harbor,” the statement reads. “He was recovered unresponsive by the crew approximately ten minutes later. First aid and attempts to resuscitate were unsuccessful, and the crew transported the deceased to Dutch Harbor.”
The statement then went on to reveal that authorities are ‘currently investigating this situation.’ "As the nation’s leading marine safety organization, the Coast Guard investigates marine casualties and accidents to uncover their causes and initiate necessary corrective actions," it continues.
The Coast Guard’s official comments come just one day after news of Meadow’s death went public, with Captain Rick Shelford, a good friend of Meadows after starring alongside him on Deadliest Catch, took to Facebook to confirm the tragic news that the TV star died last week.
In an emotional social media post, Shelford wrote: "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 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.
"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.”
The post went on: “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.
“Right now, our hearts are broken in a way that words can’t fully express.
“We ask that you lift Todd’s children and family in prayer and keep them in your thoughts as they face the days ahead without him.”
The announcement then concluded with: “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.”
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].
Topics: Film and TV, Celebrity
Phoebe Tonks