Members of Deadliest Catch series who have died since show premiered nearly 20 years ago
Some shows feel like they’ve been on telly forever. From long-running sitcoms to never-ending hospital dramas, it feels like we’ve grown up with them.
And having first premiered in 2005, Deadliest Catch has now been on TV for nearly 20 years.
The American reality show follows crab fisherman during the fishing seasons with the title inspired by the high risks of their work and fans absolutely love it.
But sadly, several members of the 19-season long show’s cast and crew have passed away over the years.
As viewers wait for the next season, here’s a look back at the eight former stars who have died since Deadliest Catch began.
Joe McMahon
A former associate producer on the Discovery Channel show, the 24-year-old worked on the show for a number of episodes.
On 24 July 2015, he was shot in front of his home in California.
The suspect was later found dead in his car from a self-inflicted gunshot wound according to reports at the time.
Discovery said in a statement: “We are heartsick about this tragedy — our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to all that knew and worked with him.”
Phil Harris
The legendary Captain was known for his no-nonsense approach, while the show also captured Harris’ relationship with sons Jake and Joshua.
The part owner of F/V Cornelia Marie died at the age of 53 on 9 February 2010 after suffering a stroke.
Mahlon Reyes
At the age of just 38, the deckhand suffered a heart attack caused by an accidental cocaine overdose on 25 July 2020.
He joined Deadliest Catch in 2012.
A statement from Discovery Channel called his death ‘very sad news’ and sent ‘thoughts and prayers’ to his family.
Tony Lara
Captain Lara began appearing on the show in 2011 following the death of Captain Harris.
He died at the age of 50 after reportedly suffering a heart attack on 8 August 2015.
Todd Kochutin
The devoted fisherman ultimately died doing what he loved after becoming a major personality of Deadliest Catch.
At the age of 30, he died in February 2021 after sustaining injuries while fishing aboard the F/V Patricia Lee.
Discovery UK previously shared footage of the moment crew members learnt one of their ship mates had been injured as Kochutin died shortly after on ship.
Justin Tennison
he deckhand joined the show in season seven and was found dead in a hotel room on 22 February 2011.
At the age of 33, autopsy results found his death was due to complications related to sleep apnoea.
“It is with great sadness that the Time Bandit family announces the death of crew member Justin Tennison,” the vessel’s crew posted on its website at the time. “Justin died peacefully in his sleep.”
Nick McGlashan
A deck boss on the series, McGlashan appeared on 78 episodes of the show from 2013.
The 33-year-old suffered with alcohol and drug addiction, leading to his suspension from season 13.
The seventh-generation fisherman died on 27 December 2020 after a drug overdose.
Discovery said in a previous statement: “Nick came from a long line of crabbers and was known for his great depth of knowledge. He also had a sharp sense of humor even in the most difficult conditions. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.”
Blake Painter
The previous captain of the F/V Maverick appeared on Deadliest Catch in 2006 and 2007.
Painter was found dead in his home in May 2018 at the age of 38. It is reported he had been dead for several days before his body was found, with suspected drugs found at the scene.
