Remembering Todd Meadows, A Young Father Lost at Sea

Last week, the commercial fishing community experienced a significant loss with the passing of one of its members, affecting people well beyond the industry itself.

Todd Morgan Meadows, 25, a deckhand aboard the F/V ALEUTIAN LADY and a familiar face to fans of Deadliest Catch, passed away on February 25, 2026, in Alaskan waters. He was a son, a brother, a crewmate, and most importantly, a devoted father to three young boys.

Captain Rick Shelford announced the tragic news on Facebook.

“Todd was the newest member of our crew, he quickly became family. His love for fishing and his strong work ethic earned everyone’s respect right away,” Shelford wrote. “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.”

“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,” he added.

A GoFundMe has been established by Paige Knutson of Elma, Washington to support the young family.

“We are heartbroken to share the sudden passing of Todd Morgan Meadows, a beloved 25-year-old father, son, brother and friend, who left us far too soon while doing what he loved — crabbing out on Alaskan waters,” Knutson wrote. “He was a determined dad to three amazing little boys who were his entire world. Everything he did was for them — their smiles, their futures, and the memories they will carry with them.”

We extend our deepest condolences to Todd’s children, his family, and his crewmates aboard the F/V ALEUTIAN LADY. We know the bonds that form at sea, and we feel the weight of this loss alongside Todd’s crew, his family, and all who knew him.