What Happened to the Former Cast of Deadliest Catch?
When Deadliest Catch first hit Discovery Channel in 2005, few could have predicted how deeply it would capture the grit and danger of Alaskan crab fishing. The show turned real-life captains and deckhands into household names — men who faced 40-foot waves, freezing storms, and the ever-present risk of death just to make a living. But beyond the icy decks of the Bering Sea, life for many of these fishermen took unexpected turns. Some built businesses, others found redemption, and a few faced heartbreak or controversy once the cameras stopped rolling. What’s happened to them since tells a story just as raw, unpredictable, and human as the show itself.
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Scott Campbell Jr.
Scott Campbell Jr., known as “Junior,” first rose to fame as captain of the F/V Seabrooke, joining Deadliest Catch in Season 7. Coming from a multigenerational fishing family, Campbell spent his youth aboard boats before taking command of his own vessel. His time on the show ended after Season 10 when crippling back pain forced him to step away from crab fishing. The condition, aggravated by years of physical strain, led to multiple spinal surgeries — including fusion work on his lower vertebrae (L4, L5, and S1) — and months of rehabilitation.
After years of recovery, Scott made a brief comeback in Seasons 16 and 17 aboard the Lady Alaska, but he ultimately shifted focus from fishing to business. Offscreen, he became an entrepreneur, founding Cordova Coolers (later rebranded as Cordova Outdoors), a company that designs heavy-duty coolers and outdoor gear. Based in Nampa, Idaho, the business grew rapidly, even partnering with MasterCraft boats to provide custom-built cooler systems.
Never one to stay idle, Campbell launched another venture in 2023 — Beaver Creek Firewood — specializing in premium packaged firewood. The company expanded to a 15,000-square-foot warehouse and employs over 20 workers as of mid‑2024, with Scott serving as CEO. On social media, he jokes, “From crabs to coolers to firewood — because why not,” highlighting his humorous transition from sea storms to entrepreneurship.
He’s also co‑authored a memoir, Giving The Finger: Risking It All to Fish the World’s Deadliest Sea, detailing his early fishing days and the toll of a life spent on deck. Today, he’s active on X (formerly Twitter) under @CaptScottJr, where he shares business updates and occasional nods to his Deadliest Catch past.
Mike Fourtner
Mike Fourtner became a fan favorite as a dependable and good‑natured deckhand aboard the F/V Time Bandit, working closely with captains Johnathan and Andy Hillstrand. He joined the crew in the early seasons and remained until Season 9 in 2013. In the Season 9 finale, Fourtner emotionally revealed that he was leaving commercial crab fishing to focus on his growing family — his wife, Laci, was expecting twins, and the years of spending nearly ten months at sea had taken their toll.
After stepping away from the Bering Sea, Mike transitioned into shoreside work, joining Cummins Sales & Service as a marine engine sales representative, where he put his technical experience to use assisting vessel operators instead of fishing alongside them. He later branched into general contracting, building his own family home and developing a more stable lifestyle in Washington state. Together with his wife, he raises twin daughters, Emma and Ella, while remaining active in his community — coaching youth basketball and volunteering as a firefighter in Lewis County.
In September 2021, Mike appeared in a short alumni video for Lower Columbia College, where he credited the school’s athletics program for shaping his discipline and leadership. He said that his years there were some of the best of his life — it’s where he met lifelong friends and his wife — and he helped promote a fundraiser to support future student athletes.
Since then, Mike has shared glimpses of his current life on social media under @mike_fourtner_cummins_marine. He frequently documents his work with Cummins Marine, showcasing large-scale vessel projects like the repower of the 130-foot trawler F/V Progress in Dutch Harbor and the 40PB patrol boats for the U.S. Navy. His posts highlight his pride in helping modernize vessels with fuel-efficient Cummins engines and his continued ties to Alaska’s maritime community.
In November 2023, he represented Cummins at the Pacific Marine Expo, celebrating the company’s 250th QSC8.3 engines sold into the Bristol Bay market. By September 2023, he also shared a family trip to Alaska with his twin daughters to work on boat maintenance—joking they were “earning their twin tuition.” These updates show that while Mike’s days on the Time Bandit are behind him, his connection to the sea and family remain at the heart of his story.
Fourtner occasionally reflects on his time on the show in local interviews, calling Deadliest Catch a life‑changing experience that gave him both national recognition and perspective on family priorities.
Dean Gribble Jr.
Dean Gribble Jr. appeared briefly aboard the F/V Saga during Deadliest Catch Season 13, but his life at sea extends far beyond the series. A lifelong fisherman from Washington State, Gribble began salmon tendering at age 11 and has spent decades in Alaska’s crab industry. His social media handle @kingcrabba describes him as an “American Viking, Alaska Bering Sea crab fisherman,” and his posts capture both the beauty and danger of the job.
In late 2019, Gribble’s life changed dramatically when he survived the tragic sinking of the F/V Scandies Rose west of Kodiak on New Year’s Eve. The vessel capsized amid 30‑foot seas and freezing spray. Gribble helped distribute survival suits, urged crewmates to escape, and ultimately jumped into the icy waters. He and fellow deckhand John Lawler made it to a life raft and were rescued four hours later by the U.S. Coast Guard — but five others were lost. In interviews with Alaska Public Media and KTOO, Gribble recounted the ordeal and the deep survivor’s guilt he carries from that night.
Despite the trauma, he continues commercial fishing, honoring his lost crewmates by returning each season to the Bering Sea. His story of endurance and survival stands as one of the most powerful in the Deadliest Catch legacy.
Edgar Hansen
For years, Edgar Hansen was a fixture on Deadliest Catch, serving as deck boss aboard the F/V Northwestern and working under his older brother Sig Hansen. His tenure came to an abrupt end in 2018 after he pleaded guilty to fourth‑degree assault with sexual motivation, admitting to sexually assaulting a 16‑year‑old girl in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, in 2017.
Under a plea deal, Hansen received a 364‑day suspended jail sentence, two years of probation, fines and fees totaling about $1,650, and a requirement to undergo sexual deviancy treatment and provide a DNA sample. He also issued a written statement apologizing for his conduct, saying he had begun treatment to prevent such behavior from happening again.
Following the conviction, Discovery Channel cut ties with Hansen, and he disappeared entirely from the show’s lineup. His final episodes aired in 2018, and subsequent seasons omitted his name from credits and promotions. Although some fans have claimed to spot him in background shots or family videos from the Hansen crew, he has not appeared publicly or made statements since. Once known as a reliable and skilled member of the Northwestern team, his reputation has been overshadowed by the case, leaving fans divided on how to remember his role in the show’s legacy.
Josh Harris
Josh Harris, the son of the late Captain Phil Harris, was long seen as the natural successor to his father’s legacy aboard the F/V Cornelia Marie. He began appearing on Deadliest Catch in supporting roles around 2007 and became co‑captain in 2013, working alongside Casey McManus to rebuild the vessel’s operations.
Harris later headlined the Discovery spinoff Deadliest Catch: Bloodline, launched in April 2020, which followed him and McManus in Hawaii as they pursued clues from Phil Harris’s old fishing charts. The show ran for three seasons and gained a steady following for its mix of fishing strategy and family storytelling.
However, in 2022, Discovery abruptly cut ties with Josh Harris after sexual assault allegations from 1998–1999 resurfaced. Court records revealed he had been accused of sexually assaulting a 4‑year‑old girl when he was 16. He pleaded guilty to reduced charges of fourth‑degree assault and immoral communication with a minor, receiving probation and a brief jail sentence as part of a plea deal. Once the old case resurfaced publicly, Discovery removed him from Deadliest Catch, and all episodes of Bloodline were pulled from Discovery+ and Max.
His firing marked a dramatic fall from grace for one of the show’s most recognizable faces. Once promoted as the heir to the Cornelia Marie legacy, Harris now remains absent from public life, with no new appearances or statements since his dismissal.
Jake Harris
Jake Harris, the younger brother of Josh Harris and son of Captain Phil Harris, became one of the most talked‑about figures in Deadliest Catch history — both for his skill as a young deckhand and his turbulent journey afterward. Known for his humor, quick temper, and deep loyalty to his father, Jake joined the F/V Cornelia Marie in his early 20s and was often seen working side‑by‑side with Phil and Josh. Viewers connected with him during the emotional arcs that centered on Phil’s health struggles and later, his death in 2010.
After Phil’s passing, Jake’s life spiraled publicly. Struggling with addiction and the weight of grief, he left the show and spent several years battling substance abuse. Between 2016 and 2019, he faced multiple arrests for DUI, drug possession, and attempting to elude police, culminating in a 2019 conviction that resulted in an 18‑month prison sentence in Washington State. Court documents revealed he was found with heroin and stolen firearms during one arrest.
Following his release, Jake reportedly entered rehabilitation programs and began rebuilding his life. By 2021, he made a brief appearance in Deadliest Catch: Bloodline, signaling what many fans hoped would be a new start. His brother Josh shared that Jake was once again fishing commercially in Alaska, maintaining sobriety, and focusing on family ties.
By 2023, Jake appeared to be focusing on family life. His Instagram posts from early that year show him with partner Shawna and their young daughter, Truleah, whom he frequently refers to affectionately in captions. The images—shared from Washington—reflect a more grounded and domestic side, with posts celebrating art, family, and fatherhood rather than the Bering Sea. He also hinted at small creative projects, including a clothing line inspired by his daughter’s name. Though still largely private, these glimpses into his personal life suggest that Jake had found a steadier rhythm far removed from the chaos of his younger years.
As of 2025, he remains largely off social media and out of the public eye but continues working seasonally in the fishing industry.
Bill Wichrowski
Captain Bill “Wild Bill” Wichrowski first appeared on Deadliest Catch in Season 6 and later took command of the F/V Summer Bay. A U.S. Navy veteran and commercial fisherman with over 40 years of experience, he became a central figure in the series for his disciplined leadership style and practical seamanship. His management of crew operations and focus on safety earned him respect among peers and viewers alike, while his sharp commentary made him one of the show’s most familiar personalities.
Health Battle and Cancer Journey
In 2023, toward the end of Season 19, Bill revealed that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Season 20 chronicled his treatment process, which included radioactive seed implants and hormone therapy—methods aimed at destroying cancer cells while minimizing long-term side effects. Despite fatigue and treatment challenges, Bill remained active in managing his crew and vessel.
In February 2025, Bill shared a candid update on Facebook about his health, writing that his “numbers are great” following months of radioactive seed and hormone treatment for prostate cancer. He added that he “seems to be cancer-free now,” cautiously celebrating positive progress without declaring total remission. Bill explained that the hormone therapy — which intentionally lowers testosterone — left him drained of energy and facing mood swings, but he emphasized that these side effects were a small price to pay for survival. His openness about the process has resonated deeply with fans, especially those who’ve faced similar health challenges. Through interviews and fan events, Bill has urged men to get routine screenings and to treat early detection as “just another kind of maintenance, like keeping a boat seaworthy.”
Life and Work Beyond the Wheelhouse
While Wild Bill has scaled back his sea time, he continues to mentor and oversee operations aboard the Summer Bay, with his son Zack Larson gradually stepping into greater responsibility. He’s also active in outreach and public speaking, appearing at maritime expos and interviews where he promotes early cancer screening and safety awareness for fishermen.
Although his on‑screen presence has become limited in recent seasons, Bill’s influence endures both on deck and off. His openness about health struggles and resilience in recovery have made him not only a respected captain but also an example of perseverance for fans worldwide.
Matt Bradley
Matt Bradley, a longtime deckhand aboard the F/V Northwestern, became known for his loyalty to the Hansen family and his sharp sense of humor that often cut through the tension of life on the Bering Sea. Introduced in Season 1 as a deckhand, Bradley appeared in at least 126 episodes over the years, Bradley was part of many of the Northwestern’s most memorable moments, helping lead difficult hauls and serving as a trusted voice on deck.
Struggles and Recovery
Bradley’s time on the series wasn’t without challenges. He has been candid about his struggles with heroin addiction, sharing how the isolation and downtime between fishing seasons worsened his dependency. In a 2018 appearance on the Unpause Your Life podcast, Bradley said, “The minute I get loaded, everything I own is worth about $20,” describing how addiction distorted his judgment. In June 2021, Bradley shared an emotional message on Facebook that read, “I am the face of an addict. I am no longer ashamed of my past… Clean since 9/4/13. Recover Loudly!” The post reflected his pride in long-term sobriety and his belief in speaking openly about recovery to break stigma. He has since worked through recovery programs, joined 12‑step groups, and now sponsors others facing similar battles.
He has also spoken publicly about how his faith and family kept him grounded, saying that getting sober allowed him to “finally be a husband and father again.” Bradley credits Captain Sig and Edgar Hansen for giving him opportunities to return to work and regain purpose aboard the Northwestern.
Life After Television
After appearing through Season 17, Bradley briefly stepped away from filming to help run his family’s vape shop business and focus on his recovery work. He returned for Season 19, but by 2024, he appeared mostly in interviews and reunion events rather than full episodes. His Instagram profile, @mattbradleyfvnw, lists him as a deckhand, interventionist, and recovery coach, reflecting how he’s turned his personal experience into advocacy.
Bradley frequently participates in outreach programs, working with homeless communities and helping others enter detox and rehabilitation. He’s also a regular guest on the Galley Stories podcast, sharing fishing insights and recovery lessons from decades at sea. In 2024, he marked his 52nd birthday on social media, writing, “Who would’ve thought I’d make it this far.” In September 2025, he celebrated 12 years of sobriety, sharing a heartfelt Facebook post reflecting on his journey: “12 years of consistently keeping my demons behind me. Super grateful for the time I have clean… it all started when I surrendered. I simply said, hi, my name is Matt, I am an addict! I need help.” He credited Narcotics Anonymous for showing him that there was a way forward, closing with, “NA, owe you one.”—a statement that captures both humility and pride in how far he’s come.
Casey McManus
Casey McManus joined Deadliest Catch in Season 10 as co-captain and engineer of the F/V Cornelia Marie alongside Josh Harris. A third-generation fisherman from Washington state, he brought decades of experience in navigation, mechanics, and vessel management. Before joining the show, McManus had spent years running boats in the Pacific Northwest as a port engineer and safety consultant. His technical expertise and calm leadership modernized the Cornelia Marie’s operations, earning him respect both on deck and among fans.
Time on the Show
McManus appeared from Seasons 10 through 18, becoming an anchor of the Cornelia Marie’s crew. Fans appreciated his steady temperament and dry humor, which balanced Josh Harris’s more emotional approach to leadership. Ahead of Season 19, McManus confirmed that Discovery had not renewed contracts for himself, Harris, or the vessel. In a December 2022 post on X (formerly Twitter), he clarified that the crab seasons were shut down at the time, effectively marking the end of their tenure on the show.
Beyond the Show (2022–2025)
After leaving Deadliest Catch, McManus transitioned from full-time fishing to new technical and leadership roles in both the maritime and aviation sectors. From September 2022 to October 2024, he served as Vice President of Operations at Paradigm Marine & Technical Services, overseeing towing, salvage, and vessel logistics across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. By September 2024, he had joined Captain Squared Air in Seattle as a First Officer, signaling a full career shift into aviation.
In October 2024, McManus shared a cheerful Instagram video while cruising through Southeast Alaska aboard Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, describing the experience as “incredible” and praising the exceptional treatment he received. The clip showed a relaxed, smiling McManus — a stark contrast to the relentless Bering Sea grind and a clear sign of a more balanced lifestyle.
By January 2025, he posted a lighthearted birthday photo from Edmonds, Washington, celebrating turning 42 with the caption: “42 in crabber years is like 106.” The image reflected his humor and enduring connection with fans who had followed him since his early days on the Cornelia Marie.
In September 2025, McManus shared a short video of himself navigating rough Alaskan seas, writing, “Back to airplanes asap, this stuff is for the birds. Body can’t take it anymore.” The post — showing him captaining a vessel in stormy weather — underscored his physical wear from years at sea. In the comments, he confirmed that he no longer held ownership of the Cornelia Marie, officially closing his chapter in crab fishing and cementing his transition to aviation.
Tragedies, Deaths & Losses
Fishing the Bering Sea is among the deadliest occupations in the world, and heartbreak has struck the Deadliest Catch community more than once.
| Name | Role / Affiliation | What Happened / Death | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phil Harris | Captain, Cornelia Marie | Died after a stroke / intracranial hemorrhage | 2010 |
| Tony Lara | Captain, Cornelia Marie | Fatal heart attack during Sturgis motorcycle rally | 2015 |
| Blake Painter | Captain, Maverick | Found dead, suspected overdose | 2018 |
| Mahlon Reyes | Deckhand | Acute cocaine intoxication (after cardiac event) | 2020 |
| Nick McGlashan | Deck Boss, Summer Bay | Died in 2020 (linked to substance-related issues) | 2020 |
| Todd Kochutin | Deckhand, Patricia Lee | Fatal accident | 2021 |
| Justin “JT” Tennison | Deckhand, Time Bandit | Died from complications linked to sleep apnea | 2011 |
| Nick Mavar | Deckhand, Northwestern | Died in a medical emergency | 2024 |
Legal Disputes and Controversies
Nick Mavar’s Lawsuit: Nick Mavar filed a civil complaint in 2020 against Northwestern owners Sig and June Hansen, alleging that delayed medical care during filming led to a ruptured appendix and later complications. The case highlighted gaps in on‑board emergency protocols during the pandemic. While the outcome remains unclear, Mavar eventually stepped away from the show and focused on recovery. He later died in 2024 following a medical emergency at a boatyard in Alaska.
Josh and Edgar Hansen’s Dismissals: Edgar Hansen pleaded guilty in 2018 to fourth‑degree assault with sexual motivation involving a minor, after which Discovery cut ties with him. In 2022, Josh Harris was also removed from Deadliest Catch following the resurfacing of past sexual assault allegations from the 1990s. Discovery confirmed that he would not appear in future episodes of the series.
Substance Struggles: Deck boss Nick McGlashan reportedly faced removal from the show in 2017 due to substance abuse issues. His openness about addiction resonated with fans, but he died in 2020, with media reports attributing his death to an overdose. His story remains one of the most tragic examples of the toll that years at sea — and the fame that followed — can take.
Zack Larson
Zack Larson, the son of Captain Bill “Wild Bill” Wichrowski, made his first appearance on Deadliest Catch in 2010 as a greenhorn aboard the F/V Kodiak, before later working with his father on the F/V Summer Bay. From his early days, Zack stood out as a young fisherman determined to earn his place on deck through skill and work ethic rather than reputation.
By 2015, Zack had begun running smaller boats and gaining valuable command experience, later serving as captain of the F/V Kona Kai and F/V Summer Bay. His leadership and technical know-how led to a steady rise within the Alaskan fishing fleet.
By 2019, Zack was captaining the F/V Determined out of Seattle, overseeing salmon tendering operations in Bristol Bay and Southeast Alaska. He managed his own crew, handled cod runs, and actively recruited deckhands — showing a shift from deck work to full command responsibilities.
In 2022, Larson shared an update from Port Moller, Alaska, revealing he was now running the F/V Elinore J during the winter cod season. The post captured the icy deck and crew at work, marking his transition from television personality to independent fisherman — a captain building his own reputation in the fleet.
Outside of work, Zack married Dulce Larson on April 28, 2017, and together they built a life in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico, while maintaining strong ties to Alaska’s fishing ports. In 2024, the couple shared deeply personal news: after years of IVF treatment and emotional setbacks, they were expecting their first child. On December 12, 2024, their daughter, Alina Rae Larson Zuloaga, was born — a joyful milestone they celebrated publicly with heartfelt gratitude for their long journey to parenthood.
Now in 2025, Zack continues to balance family life with his fishing career. He remains active in Alaska’s cod and halibut operations, emphasizing sustainability, safety, and mentorship for younger deckhands. Though he no longer appears on television, his story reflects the next generation of Bering Sea mariners.
Sean Dwyer
Captain Sean Dwyer joined Deadliest Catch in Season 12 (2016), introducing the F/V Brenna A as one of the fleet’s youngest-run vessels. A native of Washington State, he took command at just 23, honoring the legacy of his late father, Pat Dwyer, who built the Brenna A before passing away from ALS in 2013. Sean’s strong background in engineering and his commitment to safety and efficiency quickly made him one of the most capable new captains in the fleet.
Before joining the show, Dwyer worked as an engineer aboard the Jennifer A and other family vessels, developing deep technical expertise that would define his leadership style. After his father’s death, he and his mother, Jennifer Dwyer, launched Brenna A Fishing Co., based between Seattle and Dutch Harbor. Under their leadership, the company grew beyond crab fishing to include cod and tendering operations, providing year-round employment for Alaskan crews.
In 2016, shortly after his television debut, Dwyer was cited by Alaska Fish & Game for using crab pots with smaller escape openings than regulations required. He was fined $1,500 and placed on probation — a violation he acknowledged and corrected immediately. Despite the incident, he maintained a strong reputation for accountability and professionalism.
Through later seasons, Dwyer became a respected representative of the next generation of Bering Sea captains. His management approach focused on precision, safety, and teamwork — qualities that earned him respect from both veteran skippers and younger deckhands. Off-screen, he actively supported ALS awareness initiatives in honor of his father, participating in fundraisers and speaking at maritime events about innovation and mentorship within the commercial fishing industry.
Dwyer’s last appearance on Deadliest Catch was in Season 18 (2022). Since then, he has continued operating the Brenna A and managing his fishing company while prioritizing time with his wife, Breezy, and their daughter, Blakely. His most recent public post in October 2022 featured his family celebrating a birthday, reflecting a quieter, family-centered chapter in his life. As of 2025, Dwyer remains active in the industry, representing a blend of tradition and modern professionalism within Alaska’s evolving fishing community.
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