Parents of ‘Deadliest Catch’ deckhand who died during show filming plead for video not to be released

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU/Gray News) - The parents of the “Deadliest Catch” deckhand who died during filming the show are pleading that the video of his death not be released.

Todd Meadows, 25, died while fishing in the Bering Sea on Feb. 25. He was working as a deckhand on the Aleutian Lady, one of the main subjects on the Discovery Channel show “Deadliest Catch,” which showcases the challenges fishermen face while commercial fishing off Alaska’s coastline.

A close source confirmed to KTUU that Meadows’ death was caught on camera by the show’s film crew.

Meadows’ mother, Angela, released a statement Wednesday regarding the potential release of the video.

“No parent would want the world to watch their child die,” she said.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, Meadows fell overboard. The crew of the Aleutian Lady recovered him from the water about 10 minutes later. All attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

“The Coast Guard is currently investigating this situation. Our deepest condolences go out to the friends, family, and loved ones of Mr. Meadows during this incredibly difficult time,” the U.S. Coast Guard said.

Meadows was the newest member of the “Deadliest Catch” crew and had been filming his first season on the show when he died, according to his family.

His father, Lucas, said fishing was his son’s “passion” his whole life.

Family and friends set up a GoFundMe to help support Meadows’ three sons.