Remembering Deadliest Catch Stars Who Have Died

The Discovery Channel series has seen multiple cast fatalities over its 21 seasons

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Emmy-winning documentary series Deadliest Catch has aired over 20 seasons on the Discovery Channel, depicting the dangerous world of Alaskan crab fishing. Tragically, the show's cast has experienced several losses, including the recent death of 25-year-old deckhand Todd Meadows in February 2026. Other Deadliest Catch stars who have passed away include captains Phil Harris and Tony Lara, as well as deckhands like Nick McGlashan, Mahlon Reyes, and Justin Tennison.

Why it matters

Deadliest Catch has given viewers an unfiltered look at one of the most hazardous occupations in the world. The loss of cast members, some at young ages, underscores the real-life risks these fishermen face on the high seas and the human toll of their dangerous work.

The details

The latest fatality was 25-year-old deckhand Todd Meadows, who died in a "fishing-related incident" while filming in February 2026. Other Deadliest Catch stars who have passed away include engineer Tom Brossard, who died of a heart attack in 2024; deckhand Nick Mavar, who suffered a fatal heart attack in 2024; deckhand Todd Kochutin, who died from injuries during a 2021 fishing expedition; deckhand Mahlon Reyes, who died of acute cocaine intoxication in 2021; and deck boss Nick McGlashan, who died of a drug overdose in 2020. The series has also seen the deaths of former captains Blake Painter in 2018 and Tony Lara in 2015.

  • Todd Meadows died on February 25, 2026.
  • Tom Brossard died on January 27, 2024.
  • Nick Mavar died on June 13, 2024.
  • Todd Kochutin died on February 26, 2021.
  • Mahlon Reyes died on July 27, 2021.
  • Nick McGlashan died on December 27, 2020.
  • Blake Painter was found dead in May 2018.
  • Tony Lara died in August 2015.

The players

Todd Meadows

A 25-year-old deckhand who died in a "fishing-related incident" while filming Deadliest Catch in February 2026.

Tom Brossard

An engineer on the F/V Saga who died from a heart attack on January 27, 2024 at the age of 64.

Nick Mavar

A deckhand on the F/V Northwestern fishing boat who died at age 59 on June 13, 2024 after suffering a heart attack while working in a boatyard in Naknek, Alaska.

Todd Kochutin

A deckhand who died on February 26, 2021 from injuries sustained during a fishing expedition while aboard the F/V Patricia Lee. He was 30 years old.

Mahlon Reyes

A deckhand who appeared in 14 episodes of Deadliest Catch and died at age 38 on July 27, 2021 from acute cocaine intoxication.

Nick McGlashan

The deck boss on Deadliest Catch who died on December 27, 2020 in Nashville at the age of 33 from a drug overdose.

Blake Painter

A former Deadliest Catch captain who was found dead in his home in Astoria, Oregon in May 2018 at the age of 38.

Phil Harris

The colorful captain and part owner of the Cornelia Marie who suffered a massive stroke while off-loading crab in Alaska and died at the age of 53 on February 9, 2010.

Justin Tennison

A deckhand on Deadliest Catch's Time Bandit who was found dead in a Homer, Alaska hotel room on February 22, 2011 at the age of 33 due to complications related to sleep apnea.

Tony Lara

A former Deadliest Catch captain who appeared in six episodes and died of a heart attack in his sleep in Sturgis, South Dakota in August 2015.

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What they’re saying

“We laugh and remember all the funny stories and have been surrounded by an amazing group of our best friends and family. I am in awe of the people that he touched just by his positive attitude and smile.”

— Heather Sullivan, Wife of Mahlon Reyes (USA Today)

“Tom was my best friend over the last nine years. He taught me everything I know about boats. He was always there, always helped out whenever anybody needed him. I was grateful for that. I think I'm a pretty lucky guy to have Tom has a friend. God, I loved him.”

— Jake Anderson, Captain (People)

“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.”

— Rick Shelford, Captain (Facebook)

The takeaway

The tragic losses of Deadliest Catch cast members underscore the immense dangers of commercial fishing in the Bering Sea, one of the most hazardous occupations in the world. Their stories serve as a somber reminder of the human toll of this high-stakes industry and the courage of those who risk their lives to make a living on the open waters.