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Deadliest Catch Deckhand Todd Meadows Dies at 25

Published 3 March 2026

Todd Meadows, a 25-year-old deckhand on the fishing vessel Aleutian Lady, died on February 25 while working on the Bering Sea during production of the Discovery Channel series Deadliest Catch.

Captain Rick Shelford, who commands the Aleutian Lady and has appeared on the show since season 19, announced Meadows' passing on Facebook on March 2. He described the day of the incident as the most tragic in the vessel's history. "We lost our brother, Todd Meadows," Shelford wrote. "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."

Shelford's post highlighted Meadows' devotion to his three young sons, noting that his love for his children, family, and life shone through in his actions. "He worked hard, loved deeply, and brought joy to those around him," the captain added. The tribute concluded with a call for support for Meadows' family: "Right now, our hearts are broken in a way that words can't fully express. We ask that you lift...

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