Deadliest Catch star Todd Meadows’ cause of death has been confirmed.
According to a death certificate obtained by TMZ on Monday, April 6, Meadows’ death was “drowning with probable hypothermia” and “submersion of body in cold water.” The document noted that Meadows was pronounced dead at 5:15 p.m. on February 25 in an “accident” aboard the Aleutian Lady crab vessel in the Bering Sea. Per the certificate, Meadows’ body was cremated after being transported back to Anchorage, Alaska.
TMZ previously reported that Meadows’ death was the result of a “fishing-related” incident that occurred during filming. Producers reportedly received a memo informing them of the fatal accident and providing resources to cast and crew amid the tragedy.
According to Deadline, the reality show was in production on season 22 when the incident took place. The series was reportedly at the end of its filming cycle and subsequently wrapped production on the season.
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Captain Rick Shelford confirmed Meadows’ death via Facebook on March 1.
“February 25, 2026, was the most tragic day in the history of the Aleutian Lady on the Bering Sea,” Shelford wrote at the time. “We lost our brother, Todd Meadows.”
Shelford went on to pay tribute to Meadows, who died at age 25.
“Todd was the newest member of our crew, he quickly became family,” he continued. “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.”
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Shelford added, “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. Right now, our hearts are broken in a way that words can’t fully express.”
Shelford encouraged fans to “lift Todd’s children and family in prayer and keep them in your thoughts” in the wake of the tragedy.
“Todd will forever be part of this boat, this crew and this brotherhood,” he concluded. “Though we lost him far too soon, his legacy will live on through his children and in every memory we carry of him. Rest easy brother, till we meet again.”
At the time, a spokesperson for Discovery Channel released a statement to TMZ about Meadow’s death.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Todd Meadows,” the statement read. “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.”
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A GoFundMe launched after Meadows’ death stated that he died “doing what he loved — crabbing out on Alaskan waters.”
“He was a determined dad to three amazing little boys who were his entire world,” the description continued. “Everything he did was for them — their smiles, their futures and the memories they will carry with them.”
Amid the family’s “unimaginable loss,” the GoFundMe was set up “to help support his three boys, assist with funeral expenses and help ease the financial burden in the months ahead.”
Deadliest Catch premiered on the Discovery Channel in April 2005, giving viewers an up-close look of fishing boat crews as they catch Alaskan king crab and Opilio crab in the Bering Sea. A release date for season 22 has yet to be announced.
