Deadliest Catch Deaths: Cast Members Who Passed Away (Updated 2025)

Storms roll in without warning, waves rise taller than houses, and half-ton crab pots swing across icy decks. Since 2005, Deadliest Catch has brought viewers face-to-face with the unforgiving reality of Alaskan crab fishing. It’s a job where danger is constant, the stakes are high, and survival is never guaranteed.

Over nearly two decades, fans have followed captains, deckhands, and greenhorns as they’ve braved the Bering Sea. Alongside the triumphs—record-breaking hauls, family legacies, and lighter moments amid the chaos—there have been tragedies. The dangers shown on screen are real, and at times, those risks have claimed the lives of people who became part of the Deadliest Catch family.

These losses remind us that the show’s drama isn’t manufactured—it reflects the very real hazards of life at sea. Which brings us to the question many viewers still ask: who have we lost from Deadliest Catch over the years, and what are their stories?

1. Captain Phil Harris

• Who: Captain Phil Harris was the iconic and deeply respected skipper of the F/V Cornelia Marie. He became one of the youngest crab boat captains in the Bering Sea and spent more than two decades at the helm. As a co-owner of the vessel, he was admired for his rugged authenticity, humor, and the bond he shared with his crew and later his sons, Josh and Jake.

• Cause & Timeline: While offloading C. opilio crab on January 29, 2010, at St. Paul Island, Alaska, Phil suffered a massive stroke. He was medevaced to Anchorage, underwent emergency brain surgery, and was placed in an induced coma. For a brief time he rallied, waking and even speaking with his sons. Sadly, complications from the stroke led to his passing on February 9, 2010, at age 53, from an intracranial hemorrhage.
• Legacy: At his own request, his illness and final days were filmed, creating one of the most emotionally powerful arcs in reality television. Critics hailed the Season 6 episodes as some of the most riveting in the show’s history. A memorial service was held in Seattle, including a maritime jazz funeral and boat tribute. Half of his ashes were placed in a painted Harley-Davidson fuel tank alongside his mother’s, while the rest were scattered at sea from the Cornelia Marie. According to his official obituary in The Herald (Everett), Phil was remembered as “tough, determined, and, some would say, stubborn.” His legacy lives on through his sons, especially Josh, who eventually assumed the role of captain.

2. Justin Tennison

• Who: Justin Tennison was a deckhand on the F/V Time Bandit. He had lived in Alaska for most of his life, nearly three decades, and had experience working both as an engineer during tendering seasons and later as a full deckhand. He was respected by his fellow fishermen for his strong work ethic and reliability.

• Cause & Timeline: After returning from a fishing trip, Justin checked into a hotel in Homer, Alaska. He was found unresponsive on February 22, 2011, though it’s believed he passed peacefully in his sleep the night before. An autopsy determined his death was caused by complications from sleep apnea. He was just 33 years old and left behind a son and a daughter.
• Legacy: The Time Bandit crew honored him in a public statement, calling him “tough as a bull” and “a good hand.” They expressed their sorrow and extended sympathy to his family. His passing was also widely reported by outlets such as People and CBS News, which noted his long ties to Alaska and his years of commercial fishing experience.

3. Captain Tony Lara

• Who: Captain Tony Lara was a veteran crab fisherman with long ties to the F/V Cornelia Marie. He had worked on the boat in the 1990s and later returned to take the helm after the passing of Phil Harris. Known for his steady hand and deep knowledge of the trade, he was respected within the Deadliest Catch community.

• Cause & Timeline: Tony died in his sleep from a heart attack on August 8, 2015, while attending the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. He was just 50 years old.
• Legacy: News of his passing brought tributes from fans and fellow captains. Discovery released a statement offering thoughts and prayers to his family, while friends and colleagues remembered him as not only a capable captain but also a supportive mentor and friend. His death was widely reported by outlets such as People and E! News.

4. Captain Blake Painter

• Who: Blake Painter was a second-generation fisherman from Astoria, Oregon. He appeared on Deadliest Catch during Seasons 2 and 3, starting as a deckhand and later becoming one of the youngest captains in the fleet when he took command of the F/V Maverick.

• Cause & Timeline: On May 25, 2018, Blake was found dead at his home in Astoria after friends had been unable to reach him for several days. He was just 38 years old. Authorities reported no signs of foul play, but they did find prescription medications and other substances at the scene, and toxicology tests were conducted.

• Legacy: Blake’s sudden passing shocked the fishing community and Deadliest Catch fans alike. He was remembered as a talented crabber who brought skill and youthful energy to the fleet, even though he later chose to step away from the show. His death was covered by major outlets including People, Fox News, and local Oregon newspapers.

5. Mahlon Reyes

Who: Mahlon Reyes joined Deadliest Catch in Season 8, appearing as a deckhand aboard boats including the Seabrooke and the Cape Caution. Away from the show, he lived in Kalispell, Montana, and was originally from Whitefish. His career also included work as an engineer and deckhand on other vessels, as well as experience in the oil and gas industry. His mother, Jada Pinson, later shared heartfelt tributes to him online, showing family photos and remembering him as a beloved son.

Cause & Timeline: In late July 2020, Mahlon suffered a heart attack at his home in Whitefish, Montana. He was hospitalized but never regained consciousness and was taken off life support on July 26; he passed on July 27, 2020, at age 38. While initially described as a heart attack, the coroner later determined his official cause of death was acute cocaine intoxication, ruled as an accidental overdose.

Legacy: His wife, Heather Sullivan, shared that he had no known prior health issues, which made his passing especially shocking. His ashes were later spread in the Bering Sea by friends and crewmates as a tribute to his years on deck. He is remembered locally as a hardworking fisherman and family man who balanced time at sea with life in Montana, and by his mother, Jada Pinson, as a much‑loved son whose loss was deeply felt.

6. Nick McGlashan

• Who: Nick McGlashan was a deck boss and seventh-generation fisherman from Akutan, Alaska. He began crabbing as a teenager and went on to appear in more than 78 episodes of Deadliest Catch between 2013 and 2020. Known for his sharp humor, skill on deck, and close bond with Captain “Wild” Bill Wichrowski, he was a trusted hand and a familiar face to fans.

• Cause & Timeline: On December 27, 2020, Nick was found unresponsive in a hotel room in Nashville, Tennessee. An autopsy later confirmed his death was caused by a drug overdose involving methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. He was only 33 years old.
• Legacy: Nick’s passing deeply shook the Deadliest Catch community. Discovery released a statement praising his knowledge and wit, and his crewmates spoke of their grief in a televised tribute.

Todd Kochutin

• Who: Todd Kochutin was a deckhand on the F/V Patricia Lee. He also worked on the F/V Voyager and at Trident Seafoods, and grew up in Saint Paul, Alaska, where he attended Dickinson High School. Though his on‑screen appearances were limited, he was remembered for his personality and dedication to the work, earning the respect of fellow crew members.

• Cause & Timeline: On February 26, 2021, Todd sustained fatal injuries during crab-fishing operations aboard the Patricia Lee. Initial reports indicated he had been struck by a crab pot weighing hundreds of pounds, but later clarification from the Saint Paul Island Department of Public Safety emphasized that early details about how he was injured were not fully accurate. His death was investigated as an accidental fatality in cooperation with the Alaska State Troopers and the U.S. Coast Guard. He was pronounced dead on the vessel. The official statement confirmed that while there was no criminal investigation, authorities were working to determine exactly what happened and how to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
• Legacy: News of Todd’s death was met with sorrow across the Deadliest Catch community. Discovery’s coverage showed the emotional reaction of his crewmates as they learned of the tragedy. His family, including relatives in Saint Paul, received condolences from fellow crews like the F/V Summer Bay. After delivering crab in St. Paul in March 2021, members of Todd’s family visited the vessel. The crew spoke with them, shared memories of Todd’s time aboard the Summer Bay, and publicly thanked his relatives Barbara Lestenkof and Leilani Lestenkof for coming down to pay respects. His brother David continues to honor his memory each year, posting birthday tributes such as one in August 15, 2025 that read, “Happy Birthday Todd Kochutin. Rip lil brother, I remember yours like it’s my own.” These messages show how deeply his loss is still felt within the family.

8. Ross Jones

• Who: Ross Jones was a greenhorn aboard the F/V Saga during Season 16. Although he appeared in only two episodes, he stood out for his humor and upbeat nature, quickly leaving a mark on both his crewmates and fans.

• Cause & Timeline: Ross passed away in June 2022. Out of respect, no official cause of death was disclosed.
• Legacy: Captain Jake Anderson of the Saga paid tribute on Instagram, writing, “I loved Ross Jones. He is standing in the green. You made me piss my pants on many occasions. TO VALHALLA!” A GoFundMe shared by Jake Anderson also confirmed that Ross is remembered by his partner Chloe and their two children—a two‑year‑old son named Jackson and a daughter who was on the way at the time of his passing. The fundraiser was set up to help Chloe with funeral arrangements and immediate financial responsibilities.

Nick Mavar

• Who: Nick Mavar was a longtime deckhand and the trusted right-hand of Captain Sig Hansen on the F/V Northwestern. He appeared in nearly 100 episodes between 2005 and 2021, becoming a familiar and reliable presence on the show. Known for his rugged dependability and dry humor, he was an integral part of the crew.

• Cause & Timeline: On June 13, 2024, Nick suffered a medical emergency while at a boatyard in Naknek, Alaska. He was taken to Camai Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at the age of 59. His death was attributed to natural causes.
• Prior Health Struggles: In December 2020, Nick endured a serious health scare when his appendix ruptured during filming. Doctors later discovered a cancerous tumor, which led to his departure from the show and a legal dispute over medical care. Despite these struggles, he remained respected and admired by colleagues and fans alike.
• Legacy: Nick’s death was met with tributes from fellow fishermen and fans worldwide. On June 14, 2024, Captain Sig Hansen wrote a public tribute, saying he had known Nick for his entire fishing career, that Nick had worked on the family boat for over 25 years, and that he was more than a crew member—he was a very good friend and a right-hand man. Sig added that news of Nick’s passing spread through the fishing fleet like wildfire, a reflection of how well known and respected he was. Around the same time, a memorial post by Heather Brazell Hill recalled Nick alongside producer Todd Stanley, noting their shared hunting trips at the Ohio Hunting Lodge with friends and family. These tributes highlighted not only his professional importance but also the deep personal bonds he formed beyond the show. His legacy endures as a reminder of the challenges fishermen face both on and off the sea.

10. Joe McMahon

• Who: Joe McMahon worked as an associate producer on Deadliest Catch during 2013–2014, contributing to several episodes behind the scenes.
• Cause & Timeline: In the early hours of July 24, 2015, Joe was found shot outside his home in an unincorporated area of Pasadena, California, just steps from his front door. He was 25 years old and pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities later identified the suspect—a former high school friend—who was found dead from a self‑inflicted gunshot wound in Los Angeles. Investigators noted there was no gang involvement or drugs linked to the case, and the motive remained unclear.
• Legacy: His death shocked the production team and community around the show. Family, friends, and colleagues expressed profound grief, and local and national news outlets covered the tragedy with sensitivity. Joe’s story is a somber reminder that tragedy can strike even those working behind the cameras.

11. Crew of the Eagle III (Dungeon Cove Spin-off)

• Who: The Eagle III was featured in the spin-off series Deadliest Catch: Dungeon Cove (2016), which followed the perilous crab fisheries off the Oregon coast. Victims included:
  • Josh Paulus (31)
  • Danny Matlock (37)
  • Blaine Steinmetz (52)
• Cause & Timeline: On January 19, 2016, the Eagle III capsized while attempting to cross the Coos Bay Bar, a notoriously dangerous passage known for shifting sandbars and violent swells. At the time, conditions included 30‑mph winds and 10‑foot waves. Captain Glenn Burkhow, at the helm, survived by swimming to shore, but the three crew members tragically perished. The body of Blaine Steinmetz was recovered on the jetty, Josh Paulus was found days later north of Florence, while Danny Matlock remained missing.
• Legacy: The disaster highlighted the lethal risks of Oregon’s “Deadliest Bar,” where many vessels have been lost. The three men were honored by their families and community as hardworking fathers and fishermen. Local memorials and a fundraiser helped support their families, and Captain Burkhow has since spoken about the tragedy as a lasting reminder of the dangers faced by those who fish these waters.

Summary Table: Losses from Deadliest Catch

Name / Group	Role / Vessel	Year of Passing	Cause / Details
Phil Harris	Captain (Cornelia Marie)	2010	Stroke (intracranial hemorrhage)
Justin Tennison	Deckhand (Time Bandit)	2011	Sleep apnea complications
Tony Lara	Captain (Cornelia Marie)	2015	Heart attack
Joe McMahon	Associate Producer	2015	Shot and killed (homicide)
Blake Painter	Captain (Maverick)	2018	Drug-related issues
Mahlon Reyes	Deckhand	2020	Acute cocaine intoxication
Nick McGlashan	Deck Boss	2020	Drug overdose (meth, cocaine, fentanyl)
Todd Kochutin	Deckhand (Patricia Lee)	2021	On-deck accident (crab pot)
Ross Jones	Greenhorn (Saga)	2022	Undisclosed
Nick Mavar	Deckhand (Northwestern)	2024	Medical emergency (natural causes)
Josh Paulus, Danny Matlock, Blaine Steinmetz	Crew of Eagle III (Dungeon Cove)	2016	Capsized boat, all perished