Nick Mavar Dead at 59: Deadliest Catch Star and F/V Northwestern Deckhand Remembered

Nickola “Nick” Mavar Jr., a familiar face to fans of Deadliest Catch and a respected member of the F/V Northwestern crew, passed away on June 13, 2024, at the age of 59. He died following a sudden medical emergency while preparing his vessel in Naknek, Alaska, for the Bristol Bay salmon season.

Born on October 21, 1964, in San Pedro, California, Nick relocated with his family to Anacortes, Washington, in 1965. He graduated from Anacortes High School in 1983 and briefly attended Western Washington University before fully dedicating himself to the demanding life of commercial fishing.

He was widely recognized for his consistency, work ethic, and ability to remain composed in high-pressure situations. For over 25 years, he worked under Captain Sig Hansen, who later described him as “more than a crew member—he was a very good friend and a right-hand man.” Sig also noted how quickly news of Nick’s passing spread through the commercial fishing fleet, a testament to his reputation.

In 2020, while filming the show, Nick experienced a medical emergency that led to the discovery of a cancerous appendix tumor. Though he left the series shortly afterward, he remained active in the industry and continued his fishing career.

Outside the spotlight of television, Nick captained his own salmon fishing boat, the Miss Colleen, and played a hands-on role mentoring the next generation of fishermen, including his son Myles, and nephew Hunter Mavar. His colleagues often pointed not only to his experience but also to his willingness to teach and support others.

Captain Keith Colburn described him as “an honest, devoted, and hardworking fisherman… respected not only for his skills but also for his big heart and positive demeanor.”

Captain Wild Bill Wichrowski added, “Nick was a true fisherman through and through. Was also a true friend. He will be missed by so many. Proud to have known you.”

Nick and Julie married in August 2021. Julie is co-owner of Charles Fine Jewelry, a long-running business she has shared with close partners for more than two decades. The couple celebrated his final birthday together in October 2023 at The Butcher’s Table in Seattle. In December 2023, Nick publicly celebrated Julie’s birthday with a heartfelt message and a collage of photos, calling her “the most amazing woman I have ever met” and writing, “I am the luckiest man, honey. Forever and ever.”

Julie, a co-owner of Charles Fine Jewelry, has worked in business and friendship alongside her longtime partners for more than two decades. Their close-knit bond and resilience echo the values that Nick carried into his personal and professional life.

A memorial service was held on September 13, 2024, in Anacortes. The day included a Catholic Mass at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, a wreath release at Seafarers Memorial Park, and a gathering at Skagit Golf & Country Club, where friends and family came together to share stories and memories.

Fellow crew members offered heartfelt tributes. Matt Bradley recalled Nick’s toughness: “His nose was shattered—he went right back to work an hour later.” Karl Rasmussen shared memories of their time together at sea, writing, “I won’t be able to go to your boat in the bay everyday and talk to you… you will be missed.”

Jake Anderson, who considered Nick a mentor and uncle, once wrote in 2021: “You are the embodiment of a fisherman. Thank you for pulling me out of the mire so many years ago.” Though the post was not written in response to Nick’s passing, it reflects the deep respect Jake held for him.

Nick Mavar’s legacy lives on—in the stories told by those who worked beside him, the lessons passed down to the next generation, and the deep respect he earned across the fishing fleet. He was a deckhand, a captain, a mentor, and a friend—and he will not be forgotten.