Swamp People’ Star Mr. Sterling Dead at 88: Remembered by Troy Landry and Jacob Landry

Sterling J. Fryou Sr., a long-time Louisiana fisherman and occasional face on the History Channel series Swamp People, passed away on July 18, 2025, at the age of 88. A lifelong resident of Amelia, Louisiana, Sterling spent decades working the waterways, earning recognition as one of the region’s most skilled and knowledgeable commercial fishermen.

Born on a houseboat in Four Mile Bayou on April 28, 1937, Sterling learned the fishing trade from an early age. Growing up surrounded by Louisiana’s bayous, he developed expertise that made him a respected figure among local fishermen and a valued member of the community for many years.

Sterling made occasional guest appearances on Swamp People, sharing his old-school swamp skills and lifetime of experience with viewers.

In Season 10’s Legends of the Swamp, Sterling welcomed his lifelong friend Troy Landry for a day of hunting, showcasing traditional techniques once used before firearms became common. Sterling recalled how hunters in his early days would provoke gators with a long pole and hook before striking with an axe. During this episode, he demonstrated how seasoned fishermen could gauge a gator’s size by measuring the distance from its eyes to its snout once caught—a practical method he had perfected over decades. The hunt ended with a 10½-foot gator, proving Sterling’s sharp instincts and steady hands.

Their friendship continued in Season 11’s King of the Swamp, where Troy once again joined Sterling for another hunt. Despite being well into his 80s, Sterling proved that age had not diminished his skill or endurance. During this hunt, he introduced Troy to his innovative floating bait technique, crafted from decades of trial-and-error fishing on the bayou. Troy praised Sterling, saying he had “forgotten more than I know about hunting and fishing,” and expressed how much he valued simply spending time fishing alongside his old friend. These moments highlighted Sterling’s expertise, humor, and the special bond he shared with Troy.

In Season 16, Episode 12, “Tree Breakers,” Sterling reunited with Troy Landry and Pickle Wheat for a high-stakes hunt after reports of a massive 14-foot gator. Using his Styrofoam floating bait method, his hook-and-pole skills, and his decades-honed ability to estimate a gator’s size from its physical measurements once secured, they landed several large gators, including a 12½-footer.

Beyond television, Sterling devoted his life to his family and community. He shared over 64 years of marriage with his wife, Pat, and together they raised children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He spent more than 50 years serving St. Andrew Catholic Church, achieved Fourth Degree status in the Knights of Columbus, served eight years as St. Mary Parish District 8 Councilman, and actively supported local businesses.

Tributes to Sterling’s life quickly followed the news of his passing. Friends, family members, and fellow fishermen shared memories of time spent with him on the water and at local gatherings. On July 21, 2025, Jacob Landry described Sterling as a hardworking fisherman known for his kindness and his love for karaoke during his downtime. His tribute was one of many that reflected the respect and affection Sterling earned throughout his life in Louisiana’s fishing community.

The staff of KQKI 95.3 FM also honored Sterling, calling him a “local legend” and reminiscing about his decades-long support of their station as their very first advertiser nearly 49 years ago. They recalled his humor, his thick Cajun accent, and his passion for sharing stories about the history of shrimping in Louisiana. The station pledged to dedicate this year’s Blessing of the Fleet broadcast to his memory, noting that Mr. Sterling had been one of their #1 fans and a beloved friend to many in the community.

On July 26, Troy Landry expressed his grief over losing both Sterling Fryou Sr. and Junior Edwards in the same week, writing:

“Not one but two of my old buddies have gone to a better place this week. It makes you realize how much we take for granted and how blessed we truly are. Please keep their families in your thoughts and prayers, as the swamp has lost two great guys this week.”

Funeral services were held at Hargrave Funeral Home, where family, friends, and fellow cast members, including Troy Landry, gathered to pay their respects and reflect on Sterling’s lifelong friendship, fishing expertise, and the many shared adventures that defined his life on the bayou.