Deadliest Catch Deckhand Todd Meadows’ Cause of Death Revealed

The official cause of death has been released for Todd Meadows, the deckhand who died February 25, 2026, after falling overboard from the F/V ALEUTIAN LADY during filming of Deadliest Catch Season 22. Todd Meadows cause of death was reported as drowning with probable hypothermia and submersion in cold water. The Alaska Department of Health has ruled the incident an accident.

The F/V ALEUTIAN LADY is one of the vessels featured on the long running reality series. Meadows had joined the crew in May 2025 and had not yet appeared on air at the time of his death. Captain Rick Shelford announced the loss on social media, calling it “the most tragic day in the history of the Aleutian Lady on the Bering Sea.” He remembered Meadows as someone whose enthusiasm and strong work ethic made him family almost immediately.

Meadows was from Montesano, Washington, and leaves behind three young sons. A GoFundMe established in his memory has raised more than $60,000.

The U.S. Coast Guard continues to investigate the incident.

Our thoughts remain with Todd’s three sons, his family, and the crew of the F/V ALEUTIAN LADY as they navigate this devastating loss. Commercial fishing is among the most dangerous professions in the world, and the men and women who work these waters deserve to be remembered with the dignity and respect Todd Meadows clearly earned from everyone who knew him.