Deadliest Catch: All cast members who died

Modified Jun 16, 2024 18:55 GMT

Clip from Deadliest Catch (Image via Instagram/@ deadliestcatch)

Deadliest Catch has captivated audiences by chronicling the dangerous lives of Alaskan crab fishermen. These brave folks face risky situations, severe weather, and mishaps that could kill them. Even though the show is thrilling and exciting, sadness has happened on it. Several cast members have died, making the title of the show not just dramatic but also a sad truth.

Ross Jones, Captain Phil Harris, Mahlon Reyes, Captain Blake Painter, Captain Tony Lara, Justin Tennison, Nick McGlashan, Todd Kochutin, the crews of the Ocean Challenger and the Destination are among the cast members of Deadliest Catch who lost their lives. These losses, which underscore the dangers of commercial fishing, have had a significant impact on the program and its audience.

All cast members who died in Deadliest Catch

Know about the cast members who died in Deadliest Catch.

Ross Jones

Ross Jones, a crew member of the F/V Saga, was a beloved figure on Deadliest Catch. A Facebook post announcing his death in June 2022 included specifics, but out of respect for his family, those were kept confidential. There is a tragic loss for the show's community as Jones leaves behind a small son with his partner, Chloe.

Captain Phil Harris

Captain Phil Harris of the F/V Cornelia Marie was one of the most prominent figures on Deadliest Catch. He suffered a stroke while the crew was unloading cargo at a port in Alaska. After being evacuated to hospital, Harris died at 53 on February 9, 2010. The death of one of the series' most intriguing characters was devastating.

Mahlon Reyes

Mahlon Reyes, a deckhand on the F/V Seabrooke and F/V Cape Caution, passed away in July 2020. The reason for his death was later revealed as acute cocaine intoxication, ruled an accidental overdose. As per the information gathered from his relatives, 38-year-old Reyes was taken off life support after his body could no longer resist the overdose.

Captain Tony Lara

Tony Lara, who captained the F/V Cornelia Marie during season seven, died from a heart attack in August 2015 while attending a motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota. Despite the initial autopsy showing no signs of foul play, his sudden death was a shock to fans and cast members alike, highlighting the unexpected nature of these tragedies.

Captain Blake Painter

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Captain Blake Painter of the F/V Maverick first appeared in season two of Deadliest Catch. He was found dead in his home in May 2018 after several days of silence. Drug paraphernalia was found at Painter's death, indicating an accidental heroin overdose. His drug addiction led to this awful conclusion.

Justin Tennison

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Justin Tennison, a deckhand on the F/V Time Bandit, was found dead in a hotel room in Homer, Alaska, in February 2011. Sleep apnea caused his death. Tennison died at 33, leaving two children. His death was unrelated to alcohol and marijuana found at the site.

Nick McGlashan

Nick McGlashan, a deck boss on the F/V Summer Bay, battled substance abuse throughout his time on Deadliest Catch. His methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl overdose in a Nashville hotel room killed him in December 2020. The show suffered another heartbreaking loss when 33-year-old McGlashan left two children.

Todd Kochutin

After suffering injuries while on duty, Todd Kochutin, a crew member of the F/V Patricia Lee, passed away in February 2021. It is believed by many that he was struck by a "crab pot," which is a large, heavy cage used for crab fishing. At thirty, Kochutin passed tragically at sea due to severe injuries that were beyond the immediate care of the ship's medical personnel.

Deadliest Catch has shown the dangers of crab fishing and its cast's bravery. The deaths of these crew members highlight the dangers of this job. Fans still appreciate their stories about the brutal realities of individuals who brave the worst waters. Despite the risks, the series honors these folks, reminding viewers of the human cost behind each dramatic catch.

Edited by Gayatri Chivukula