The tragic details surrounding the death of “Deadliest Catch” cast member Todd Meadows have been revealed.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard told Page Six that on Feb. 25 just after 5 p.m. local time, watch standers at the Arctic District command center in Juneau, Alaska, were notified by the fishing vessel Aleutian Lady that 25-year-old Meadows, a crew member, had fallen overboard approximately 170 miles north of Dutch Harbor.
We’re 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.
Todd Meadows/Facebook
The USCG spokesperson added that the organization 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.”
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, Shelford referred to 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,” 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.”
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.”
Sources previously told TMZ that Meadows “died in a fishing-related incident during filming,” while a GoFundMe later set up in his name elaborated that he was “crabbing out on Alaskan waters.”