Deadliest Catch Star Todd Meadows' Cause of Death Revealed

The 25-year-old deckhand died from drowning and hypothermia after falling overboard in the Bering Sea.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:50pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a tightly woven, salt-encrusted fishing net, conveying the harsh, unforgiving conditions of the commercial fishing industry.The tragic death of Deadliest Catch star Todd Meadows highlights the extreme dangers faced by commercial fishermen working on the open seas.Anchorage Today

More than a month after the tragic accident, the cause of death for Deadliest Catch star Todd Meadows has been revealed. According to a death certificate obtained by TMZ, the 25-year-old deckhand died from drowning with probable hypothermia after falling overboard from the Aleutian Lady fishing vessel in the Bering Sea. His manner of death was ruled accidental.

Why it matters

Meadows' death is a devastating loss for the Deadliest Catch crew and the broader fishing community. The show has long documented the extreme dangers faced by commercial fishermen working in the treacherous Bering Sea, and Meadows' tragic passing underscores the risks they take to earn a living.

The details

The death certificate noted that Meadows was pronounced dead at 5:15 p.m. on February 25 after his body was recovered from the cold waters of the Bering Sea. His body was later transported back to Anchorage, Alaska and cremated.

  • Meadows died on February 25, 2026.
  • The cause of death was revealed on April 6, 2026.

The players

Todd Meadows

A 25-year-old deckhand on the Deadliest Catch reality TV series who tragically died after falling overboard from a fishing vessel in the Bering Sea.

Aleutian Lady

The fishing vessel that Meadows was working on when he fell overboard and drowned in the Bering Sea.

Discovery

The television network that airs the Deadliest Catch reality series, which has documented the dangerous lives of commercial fishermen in Alaska for over 15 seasons.

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What they’re saying

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Todd Meadows. This is a devastating loss, and our hearts are with his loved ones, his crewmates, and the entire fishing community during this incredibly difficult time.”

— Discovery Representative

The takeaway

Meadows' death is a tragic reminder of the extreme dangers faced by commercial fishermen working in the Bering Sea. His passing underscores the need for continued safety improvements and support for the fishing community, which relies on these high-risk jobs to support their families and local economies.