Former Swamp People cast member and legendary alligator hunter Junior Edwards’ castmates and family members have paid tribute following his death.
People reported that Edwards’ passing was announced by multiple loved ones on Saturday, July 26, though his cause of death and exact age have not been publicly revealed. Junior’s grandson, ‘Lil’ Willie Edwards, previously indicated via social media earlier this month that the reality star was in failing health.
In a poignant Facebook memorial post, Willie remembered Junior: “Rest easy pawpaw….i know your probably running your hoop nets or doing something crazy inside those pearly gates…you will be extremely missed pawpaw we love you more than anything!!! Until we meet again.”
Junior was later memorialized by his former Swamp People costar Ashley ‘Deadeye’ Jones, who announced via Instagram that “the world lost a legend.”
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“Mr Junior Edwards passed away,” Ashley confirmed to her followers. “Please be in prayer for the family! He was one of the greatest alligator hunters there is! He was real hardcore outdoorsman! I watched this man bring in MONSTER gators at Duffys Gas Station in Pierre Part LA. This was after a looooong day for both of us and you can tell it!”
Swamp People viewers responded to Ashley’s post by sending their condolences and expressing hope that the History reality show will celebrate Junior’s memory in some way.
“I hope the show honors the legendary Mr Edwards forever loved & missed rip,” one fan wrote, while another adding: “That’s very very sad ….. sending prayers.”
“Going to miss him on the show. Prayers to his family and grieving friends,” a third viewer replied.
Another Swamp People cast member, Ronnie Adams, encouraged his social media followers to keep the Edwards family in their prayers at this difficult time.
“Praying for the Edwards in this time of need!!! Rest in peace Junior,” Ronnie responded via Instagram.
As mentioned, ‘Lil’ Willie initially reached out to grandfather’s fans via social media on July 6 to request positive thoughts for Junior.
“Well guys, those of you that don’t know … my grandpa has been dealing with some health issues,” he explained to his followers. “Y’all keep him in y’all’s thoughts and prayers please…we need a miracle. Get better for us papa, we love you!!!”
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Junior was an original cast member and mainstay on History’s docuseries Swamp People for six seasons, before making a shocking return for season 12 in 2021.
Swamp People chronicles the dangerous and grueling work of hunters tracking American alligators in the swamps of the Atchafalaya Basin in southern Louisiana.
History has aired Swamp People since August 2010, with its most recent 15th season premiering in January 2024. The docudrama has been so successful for the cable channel that it launched several spinoffs, including an Outback Hunters show set in Australia’s Northern Territory and investigative documentary series Swamp Mysteries (which was hosted by Swamp People cast member Troy Landry). A Florida-based companion format titled Swamp People Serpent Invasion followed Landry and his crew’s attempts to eradicate Burmese pythons from the Everglades.
