The Tragic Losses of Swamp People: Remembering Randy Edwards and Mitchell Guist

Iberville Parish, Louisiana, USA — The early morning light had just begun to touch the swamps of southern Louisiana when heartbreaking news emerged: Randy Edwards, one of the young stars of the popular American reality TV show Swamp People, had died in a car accident. It was September 15, 2018, and he was just 35 years old. The tragic event shook the show’s devoted audience, who had come to admire Randy as a real-life alligator hunter and down-to-earth family man.

Randy’s passing was not the first loss for the Swamp People cast. Just a few years earlier, another fan favorite, Mitchell Guist, had also died unexpectedly—leaving a lasting impact on viewers and the show’s tight-knit community.

Randy Edwards: Raised in the Louisiana Swamps

Randy was born on August 21, 1983, in Plaquemine, Louisiana, a small town surrounded by wetlands in the southeastern United States. He grew up in a traditional Cajun household, the youngest son of William “Junior” Edwards, a respected commercial fisherman and alligator hunter, and Theresa Edwards, a homemaker who loved the outdoors.

Alongside his siblings Willie, Austin, and Letha, Randy learned to live off the land—catching fish, hunting alligators, and navigating the swamp’s winding waterways. It was a challenging life, but one filled with purpose, self-reliance, and deep family bonds.

When Swamp People premiered in 2010, it introduced audiences around the world to the Edwards family and their way of life. Randy joined the show in later seasons and quickly became known for his calm demeanor, steady presence, and the close partnership he shared with his brother Willie.

The Accident That Took Randy’s Life

On the morning of September 15, 2018, Randy was driving south on Louisiana Highway 75 when he lost control of his vehicle, struck a utility pole, and was thrown from the car. He died at the scene. According to a report from the Louisiana State Police, alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the crash.

The Edwards family confirmed his death in a Facebook post, asking fans for prayers and privacy during their time of grief. Randy was buried in his hometown just five days later.

He left behind his wife Terri, and their children: Nathan, Randy II, Sierra, and Katelyn. Their daughter Katelyn had tragically passed away before Randy, compounding the family’s sorrow. Friends and fans alike remembered him as a dedicated father, a loyal son, and a kind-hearted man who remained humble despite his television fame.

Mitchell Guist: Another Heartfelt Loss

Before Randy’s passing, the Swamp People community had already experienced another tragedy. On May 14, 2012, Mitchell James Guist, one-half of the beloved Guist brothers, passed away at the age of 47. He collapsed while working on a houseboat along the Belle River in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana. Medical authorities later confirmed that his death was due to natural causes, specifically a heart attack.

Mitchell was a lifelong resident of Brittany, Louisiana, a small rural community nestled between Gonzales and Sorrento. He spent his life immersed in the bayou’s rhythm, never feeling the need to leave the place he called home. Raised in a traditional Cajun household, Mitchell embodied the resilience, simplicity, and resourcefulness of southern Louisiana’s swamp culture.

He and his brother Glenn Guist gained national recognition when they joined the cast of the Swamp People TV series. Their entry into the show came after a close friend submitted their names to the producers. Within a week, a television crew arrived at their door in Brittany, Louisiana, intrigued by the brothers’ lifestyle. The producers saw something authentic and compelling in their simple, off-the-grid way of life, and soon the Guist brothers were on-screen, representing a quieter, more traditional side of bayou living. Unlike most other cast members, the Guist brothers were not alligator hunters. Instead, they were featured for their everyday adventures in self-sufficient bayou living—fishing, trapping, hunting small game like squirrels and rabbits, and cooking hearty meals with whatever nature provided.

One standout moment from Season 2 captured the brothers preparing a home-cooked meal of garfish patties in Conway Bayou. After boiling the gar to loosen the meat, Glenn followed a simple recipe passed down from their father—mixing in red and green onions and binding the mixture with egg before frying it to perfection. Mitchell, known for his easygoing spirit, gladly sampled the food with his usual shrug and smile. He once listed his favorite foods as squirrels, rabbits, deer, fish, and frogs—true to the bayou lifestyle.

In Season 3, the episode “Avenged” featured the brothers retrieving sunken cypress logs from the swamp to build a new porch, demonstrating their resourcefulness and strong work ethic. Their scenes provided viewers with a rare, authentic glimpse into a slower-paced, deeply rooted way of life that stood in contrast to the gator-hunting drama elsewhere on the show.

Despite their growing popularity, Mitchell remained grounded and largely uninterested in fame or digital media. He and Glenn made occasional appearances at outdoor expos to meet fans and sell merchandise, but Mitchell was content to stay out of the spotlight.

Mitchell’s passing was commemorated in the “Voodoo Bayou” episode, which aired just days later. The tribute honored his connection to the land and his contribution to Cajun heritage, resonating deeply with longtime viewers., which aired just days later. The tribute honored his connection to the land and his contribution to Cajun heritage, resonating deeply with longtime viewers.

Fans Around the World Share Their Grief

Years after their passing, Randy and Mitchell continue to be remembered with warmth and admiration. Fans from across the globe—including the United States, Canada, Australia, and even Europe—continue to share messages of sympathy, gratitude, and fond memories.

Remembering Randy Edwards

“I never met Randy but I am a huge fan of his after watching Swamp People. Gone but never forgotten, that’s for sure. Rest easy, Randy.” — Lynnsey Fowler, Mississippi, USA

“To the Edwards family, my sincere condolences on the passing of Randy, such a star on Swamp People. Loved watching him. Such a shock to hear of his passing.” — Miriam Berry, Tasmania, Australia

“Go rest high on that mountain, son. Your work on earth is done. RIP. You will be missed on this earth!” — Wanda Berry, Georgia, USA

Honoring Mitchell Guist

“Mitchell and Glenn both have the look in their eyes that I long to have. Peace of mind is so hard to see in the eyes of most people, but I can easily see it in both of your eyes. Thanks so much for being real, honest, and genuine.” — Rock Carey, Friend, February 5, 2025

“Swamp People won’t ever be the same or as good without ‘the brothers.’ May God’s blessings always be upon your family and friends.” — Ione Stevens, August 15, 2023

“You have touched many lives, showing the true value of living off the swamp, your companionship, and your down-to-earth, humorous spirit. I still watch the show and always will. My heart, prayers, and love go out to you all.” — Gail LeCount, January 29, 2022

“Forever loved you guys, always looked forward to seeing both brothers… always in our hearts.” — Josi Perekrestenko, Colorado, USA, November 3, 2021

“Mitchell, you and Glenn were a fantastic pair, excellent fishermen together. Hope you’re doing plenty of fishing in heaven. Rest peacefully.” — Martin Keogh, Ireland, April 5, 2016

“Gone but not forgotten Mitchell Guist…I hope you’re doing okay Glenn, my family watches your videos…love y’all.” — Darla Hooper, April 11, 2016

From Louisiana to Ireland and Australia, their legacies have reached beyond the bayou and into the hearts of viewers worldwide, connecting deeply with those who admired their genuine characters and authentic lifestyles.

A Legacy That Lives On

Randy Edwards and Mitchell Guist weren’t actors—they were real people living a traditional way of life in one of the world’s most unique environments. Their courage, honesty, and dedication to their families and heritage helped make Swamp People an international sensation.

Today, their families continue to carry on the work they loved. Randy’s brother Willie Edwards still appears on the show, and Glenn Guist remains active in the swamp, keeping their traditions alive. Reruns of their episodes continue to air globally, introducing new viewers to the lives and values these men held dear.

Though gone too soon, Randy and Mitchell are remembered not only for their roles on television but for the genuine lives they lived and the inspiration they continue to provide to millions around the world.