'Deadliest Catch' to Resume Filming After Tragic Death of Crew Member

Discovery Channel cameras will capture the aftermath of Todd Meadows' fatal fall overboard on the Bering Sea.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Just days after 25-year-old deckhand Todd Meadows died in a tragic accident aboard the fishing vessel Aleutian Lady on the Bering Sea, the Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch" crew will resume filming to document the aftermath. Meadows fell overboard on February 25 and was recovered by his crewmates, but attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. The Bering Sea is known as one of the most dangerous bodies of water in the world due to its volatile weather and extremely cold temperatures. Despite the tragedy, the crew plans to return to Dutch Harbor in Alaska to finish the current season's filming.

Why it matters

"Deadliest Catch" is one of Discovery Channel's most popular shows, providing a raw and unfiltered look at the dangerous lives of Alaskan crab fishermen. Meadows' death is a tragic reminder of the risks these crews face, and the decision to continue filming the aftermath speaks to the show's commitment to authentically capturing the realities of this industry, even in the face of such devastating loss.

The details

Trey John Green III, a crewmate aboard the Aleutian Lady, confirmed that filming will resume within the next few days, with the crew set to return to Dutch Harbor to finish the current season. Green described Meadows as a "rock star" and said the expedition was "a great story" that "unfortunately ended in tragedy." The US Coast Guard is currently investigating the incident, as it does with all marine casualties and accidents.

  • On February 25, just after 5 p.m. local time, the US Coast Guard was notified that Meadows had fallen overboard approximately 170 miles north of Dutch Harbor.
  • Meadows was recovered from the water by his crewmates about 10 minutes later, but attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
  • The crew then transported Meadows' body to Dutch Harbor.

The players

Todd Meadows

A 25-year-old rookie deckhand aboard the fishing vessel Aleutian Lady who tragically died after falling overboard in the Bering Sea.

Trey John Green III

A crewmate aboard the Aleutian Lady who confirmed that filming for "Deadliest Catch" will resume within the next few days.

Rick Shelford

The captain of the Aleutian Lady, who announced Meadows' death in a heartbreaking Facebook post, describing him as a "brother" and a beloved member of the crew.

US Coast Guard

The organization that is currently investigating the incident, as it does with all marine casualties and accidents, to uncover the causes and initiate necessary corrective actions.

Discovery Channel

The network that produces "Deadliest Catch" and will resume filming the aftermath of Meadows' tragic death.

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What they’re saying

“We are just touching home for 2-3 days then heading back to Dutch [Harbor in Alaska] to finish the season.”

— Trey John Green III, Crewmate aboard the Aleutian Lady (Page Six)

“We all did everything we could to save him, and out at sea that's no easy task.”

— Trey John Green III, Crewmate aboard the Aleutian Lady (Page Six)

“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.”

— Rick Shelford, Captain of the Aleutian Lady (Page Six)

What’s next

The US Coast Guard is currently investigating the incident to uncover the causes and initiate necessary corrective actions.

The takeaway

This tragic accident on the Bering Sea highlights the immense dangers and risks that the crews of "Deadliest Catch" face on a daily basis. Despite the devastating loss, the decision to continue filming the aftermath speaks to the show's commitment to authentically capturing the realities of this industry, even in the face of such tragedy.