'Deadliest Catch' deckhand's cause of death revealed

Todd Meadows died from drowning and hypothermia after falling from crabbing vessel into Bering Sea

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:20pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of a tattered, weathered fishing net in muted shades of blue and gray, conveying the harsh realities of commercial fishing in the Bering Sea.The tragic death of a young 'Deadliest Catch' star highlights the extreme dangers faced by commercial fishermen working in the treacherous Bering Sea.Anchorage Today

The death certificate for 'Deadliest Catch' deckhand Todd Meadows shows he died from 'drowning with probable hypothermia' and 'submersion of body in cold water' after falling from the Aleutian Lady crabbing vessel into the Bering Sea. His fatal fall was reportedly caught on film but his mother has requested the footage not be aired.

Why it matters

The tragic death of a young 'Deadliest Catch' crew member highlights the extreme dangers faced by those working in the commercial fishing industry, one of the most hazardous occupations. Meadows' passing also raises questions about safety protocols and medical clearances for reality TV participants.

The details

According to the death certificate obtained by TMZ, 25-year-old Todd Meadows was pronounced dead at 5:15 p.m. on February 25 after falling from the Aleutian Lady crabbing vessel into the freezing Bering Sea. Footage of the incident was reportedly captured during filming for the show's 22nd season, but Meadows' mother has requested the footage not be aired.

  • Meadows' fatal fall reportedly occurred shortly after he returned to the Aleutian Lady following time off to recover from a concussion.
  • Meadows was pronounced dead at 5:15 p.m. on February 25.

The players

Todd Meadows

A 25-year-old deckhand on the reality TV show 'Deadliest Catch' who died after falling from a crabbing vessel into the Bering Sea.

Angela Meadows

Todd Meadows' mother, who has requested that footage of her son's fatal fall not be aired on television.

Aleutian Lady

The crabbing vessel that Todd Meadows fell from into the Bering Sea.

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What they’re saying

“We hope they only air good things of Todd on that boat.”

— Angela Meadows, Todd Meadows' mother

The takeaway

The tragic death of Todd Meadows serves as a sobering reminder of the extreme risks and hazards faced by those working in the commercial fishing industry, one of the most dangerous occupations. This incident raises important questions about safety protocols, medical clearances, and the ethical considerations around filming and airing reality TV footage of such tragic events.