ALASKA – A “Deadliest Catch” star from Aberdeen, Washington has died at sea, with his captain and family releasing statements this week.
Todd Meadows was 25 when he died while sailing with Captain Rick Shelford on the Aleutian Lady on the Bering Sea.
Captain Shelford shared a post on Facebook with more information about the young crew member’s death, saying he died on Feb. 25. It reads, in part: “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. 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.”
The Aleutian Lady notified the Coast Guard that Meadows fell overboard about 170 miles north of Dutch Harbor around 5 p.m. Ten minutes later when the crew recovered him he was unresponsive. Attempts at first aid were unsuccessful “and the crew transported the deceased to Dutch Harbor,” according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
The investigation is ongoing.
Paige Knutson, of Elma, started a GoFundMe for Todd Meadows, raising nearly $20,000 for funeral expenses in the first four days.