Truth about Troy Landry son death, what happened to Brandon Landry?

Brandon Landry’s name continues to circulate among Swamp People fans — not just for his appearances on the show, but for the many rumors surrounding him. Some have falsely claimed he died. Others believed he was a central figure in the Landry family, only to learn there’s more nuance to the story. The truth? Brandon Landry is alive, and he isn’t Troy Landry’s biological son — nor is Landry even his legal surname.

Brandon is actually Brandon Hotard, the son of Bernita Landry and her former husband, Gerald Hotard. Through Bernita’s marriage to Troy Landry, Brandon became part of the extended Landry household and was introduced on-screen as part of the gator-hunting crew. While many viewers naturally assumed he was Troy’s son, the family ties are step-relational — and the confusion has only intensified due to Brandon’s brief but impactful presence in Seasons 4 and 5.

Beyond the speculation and misidentification, Brandon’s story carries weight for more personal reasons. Today, he faces a real-world challenge: his infant son, Crue Hotard — Troy Landry’s grandson — is battling a life-threatening liver condition that has placed the family in a very different kind of fight. From TV reappearances to real-life resilience, Brandon’s journey continues to resonate.

This article sets the record straight — from clarifying Brandon Hotard’s true identity and dispelling death rumors, to highlighting his short-lived return on Swamp People and the unfolding health crisis within the family. It’s a narrative rooted in truth, legacy, and enduring Cajun strength.

Is Brandon Landry from Swamp People Dead?

No — Brandon Landry from Swamp People is alive and well. He lives in Berwick, Louisiana, with his wife, Sheli Lynn Pavlick (now Sheli Hotard), whom he married in December 2020, and his two daughters from a previous relationship. Together, they have a son, Crue Hotard, born on July 13, 2024.

The confusion over his death stems from a case of mistaken identity. Another individual named Brandon Landry, also from Louisiana, passed away at the age of 24. He was a graduate of Live Oak High School and unrelated to the History Channel series. The Brandon Landry featured on Swamp People was born on November 2, 1976, and is 48 years old as of 2023.

Did Troy Landry’s Son Die? Clearing Up the Rumors

Amid speculation about the Landry family’s tragedies, it’s important to clarify that no son of Troy Landry has died. The rumors often confuse viewers due to the large extended family and common surnames. Brandon Landry, often mistaken as Troy’s biological son, is in fact his stepson — and very much alive.

Troy Landry’s Grandson Crue Hotard: Liver Transplant Battle

The Landry family has been facing a very real and emotional challenge involving Troy Landry’s grandson, Crue Hotard — Brandon’s son with Sheli Hotard. Born on July 13, 2024, Crue was diagnosed with biliary atresia, a rare and serious liver condition. Despite initial treatment and surgery, the outcome necessitated a liver transplant.

By early 2025, Crue was listed for a transplant at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. The family has endured multiple hospital stays, a failed match attempt, and the emotional toll of waiting for a viable donor. Support has poured in from across Louisiana, with the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helping to raise funds for Crue’s care.

Troy Landry’s Grandson Crue Hotard’s Heartbreaking Liver Transplant Battle: A Louisiana Family’s Fight for Hope and Healing

As of April 2025, Crue remains on the transplant list. His parents, Brandon and Sheli, along with his older half-sisters Rayne and Miley, continue to stand strong in the face of adversity. While Brandon may no longer appear on Swamp People, he remains deeply rooted in the family’s real-life struggles and strength.

What Happened to Brandon Landry on Swamp People? A Look Back at His Brief but Memorable Return

Before making his official debut on Swamp People in Season 4 (2013), Brandon Landry — the oldest son of longtime alligator hunter Troy Landry — had made only a fleeting, uncredited appearance in Season 3, Episode 13 (“Scorched,” 2012). At the time, his role was background-only, offering no dialogue or direct involvement in the action. Nearly ten years had passed since he last participated in active gator hunting, making his return a significant moment within both the show’s storyline and the Landry family’s on-screen dynamic.

His return in Season 4 came at a pivotal time for both the show and the Landry family. That year, Hurricane Isaac delayed the start of Louisiana’s alligator hunting season, compressing the schedule and increasing pressure to tag out quickly. Simultaneously, Troy’s longtime hunting partner, Clint Bowerman, stepped away to focus on his turtle farm. In need of a new partner and facing a challenging season, Troy turned to Brandon — who had spent years living and working away from the swamp — and invited him back into the boat after nearly a decade.

Brandon’s reentry into the swamp was documented across several key episodes, beginning with Episode 1, “Swamp Invaders.” His inexperience was evident, as the storm had altered gator behavior and scattered their locations, making the season particularly difficult. Still, Brandon’s presence brought a unique father-son storyline centered on reconnection, legacy, and adaptation.

Reflecting on the intense realities of gator hunting, Brandon described the experience:

“Killing your first gator… it’s a huge adrenaline rush,” he said. “A massive animal like that, it could just take you and rip you to shreds. And for you to be able to take him out — then, just a few seconds later, you’re pulling that thing into the boat. A few seconds ago, he could’ve tore you apart.”

This moment, captured early in the season, underscored both the physical danger and emotional weight of returning to a life Brandon had once left behind.

Key Appearances in Season 4

• “Texas Hold ‘Em” – Troy and Brandon hunted for large gators in an area known as “The Armpit” during a friendly wager with Texas hunters T-Roy and Bigfoot. Brandon worked to keep pace with the demanding physicality of the hunt as Troy coached him through the pressure.
• “Cursed” – In a dramatic turn, Troy was bitten through his boot by a gator presumed dead. Brandon was present during the incident, assisting in the aftermath and witnessing firsthand the unpredictable risks of the job.
• “Young Blood” – Brandon informed Troy he had to return to his job in the city, ending his hunting season early. His departure required Troy to find a new partner, marking the conclusion of Brandon’s involvement in Season 4.

Brief Return in Season 5

Brandon reappeared in Season 5 (2014), beginning with Episode 15, “Swamp Ambush.” He and Troy traveled to Chicot State Park in pursuit of a nuisance gator named “Big Boy.” During the hunt, Brandon accidentally dropped the boat’s motor keys into the water while a gator lurked nearby. The situation highlighted how even routine moments in the swamp can quickly turn dangerous.

In the follow-up episode, “Beast or Bust” (Episode 16), the hunt for “Big Boy” resumed. Although Troy and Brandon managed to catch the gator, the line snapped before they could secure it. The continuation of this story arc reflected Brandon’s sustained involvement and the mounting pressure to finish what they started.

Why Brandon Landry Didn’t Return After Season 5

Though Brandon’s screen time was brief compared to his brothers Jacob and Chase, his storyline offered a compelling look at a family member returning to a traditional way of life. His role was recurring, spanning multiple episodes across two consecutive seasons. Yet, his time on the show ultimately proved limited.

Brandon did not return to Swamp People from Season 6 onward. As of the currently airing Season 16, set to conclude on April 24, 2025, he remains absent from the cast. No on-air explanation was provided for his departure, suggesting his return was a short chapter — a personal reconnection rather than a permanent shift back to full-time gator hunting.

Brandon Hotard Short Wiki like Bio

Brandon Hotard, publicly recognized under the name Brandon Landry during his appearances on Swamp People, was born on November 2, 1976, in the tight-knit bayou town of Pierre Part, Louisiana. He is the son of Bernita Landry and her former husband, Gerald Hotard. Hotard holds American nationality and is of Cajun ethnicity. His zodiac sign is Scorpio — often associated with resilience, loyalty, and emotional intensity, all traits that have quietly shaped his personal and professional life.

Though his brief television career placed him in the public eye between 2012 and 2015, Brandon maintained his roots in a more grounded profession. Since December 2013, he has worked as an Estimating Manager at Conrad Shipyard — a well-established marine construction company located in Morgan City, Louisiana. The role reflects both his technical background and long-standing ties to the Gulf Coast’s maritime industries.

Brandon completed his postsecondary education at Louisiana Technical College–Young Memorial Campus, graduating in 1996. As of 2025, Hotard resides in Berwick, Louisiana, and continues to work in the shipbuilding sector while remaining outside the entertainment spotlight.

Field	Information
Name	Brandon Hotard
Date of Birth	November 2, 1976
Age	48 years old
Birth Place	Pierre Part, Louisiana, United States
Parents	Gerald Hotard, Bernita Landry
Siblings	Jacob and Chase Landry (half-brothers)
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Caucasian (Cajun)
Zodiac Sign	Scorpio
Wife	Shelli Lynn Pavlick(Hotard)
Children	Rayne, Miley, and Crue Hotard
Net Worth	N/A