‘Deadliest Catch’ Season 22 Finale Centers on Todd Meadows’ Tragic Death & Aftermath

Scott FishmanSat, September 26, 2026 at 8:39 AM UTC

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Todd Meadows - Discovery Channel

A dark cloud loomed over Season 22 of Deadliest Catch, knowing it would eventually lead to the Aleutian Lady deckhand Todd Meadows passing away during filming. The 25-year-old died while aboard Captain Rick Shelford’s vessel from drowning with probable hypothermia. The greenhorn went overboard into the cold waters of the Bering Sea. According to Lead Deckhand Nicolas “Nico” Huerta during the September 25 finale, he was just in the pot trying to get the crab out “like he was supposed to do.” The launcher reportedly unexpectedly shifted and went over the rail into the water.

Although the moments leading up to the accident and aftermath were fully chronicled, the show told the sad story as it unfolded while avoiding any depiction of the incident itself. They seemed to take into account the sensitivity of what happened. The last installment of the season was used more than anything to pay tribute to the fallen crew member.

Rick Shelford (Discovery Channel)

The episode started on February 25, 2026 with Rick receiving a happy birthday call from his fiancée. He spoke about having the best birthday’ Everything seemed to be going perfect in his eyes, looking forward to even having a birthday party. The Aleutian Lady was the last boat out. It had been a challenging go this time around as the team faced bad weather, system breakdowns, and other challenges. Todd returned after requiring emergency dental care for his teeth and even a concussion. However, the rookie returned. Todd was asked by a cameraman if he would come back. The father of three responded that he would as it was one of his dreams and goals to make it up there. He wanted to support his family. Todd spoke about not being home for two months and often checked in with his family. There was an equally heartwarming and heartbreaking scene where he spoke to the kids, not knowing what would happen. Todd told them he’d talk to them tomorrow, but not before his daughter told him he better be safe.

Todd Meadows

Back on deck, their first pot up was a nice sign they were in a good spot for crab. Rick’s daughter Lili also called in to wish his dad a happy birthday. Not long after, an “Oh My God” could be heard from the deck. There was a yell of a man overboard. Rick worked with the team to work swiftly during the emergency situation. “I got my eye on him. I got my eye on him. We’re coming up,” Rick said.  The head asked if he was awake and to administer CPR. Rick rushed out of the wheelhouse where the camera shot stayed. Only the sounds of their efforts to help were heard. Fading to black, it was revealed that Todd went overboard. After six minutes and 26 seconds in the water, he was recovered unresponsive. Rick called the Coast Guard. They were 15 to 16 hours away from Dutch Harbor. Rick broke down. The producer tells Rick Todd is gone. “I know,” he responded. Rick said they have been administering CPR for 20 minutes without any movement. The doctor said there was nothing he or his crew could do to bring him back.

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Rick attempted to comfort his crew, who were visibly distraught. Eight hours later the next day, the crew were attempting to come to grips with the loss. Deckhand Glen “Steven” Porter recalled how Todd would find time in between runs to FaceTime with his kids. “I’ve never felt so lost being on a boat than this moment, but my job’s not done. We’ve got to get to the dock,” Rick said. John Green, Todd’s bunkmate, felt everyone did everything they could. The state troopers and Coast Guard met the Aleutian Lady at the dock to investigate and take care of Todd’s remains to bring to his family. The producer instructed Rick to take deep breaths as he pulled into the dock. Melissa “Lisa” Roberts, supervising producer, said in her 17 seasons this has never happened.

The episode also captured how other captains found out about the tragedy. Johnathan Hillstrand put things in perspective describing the boats as a band of brothers and like family. The ordeal admittedly got him thinking about his estranged son. “I don’t have much of a relationship with him,” he said. The Time Bandit head hoped to change that with the idea “any of us can go any day.”

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Sig Hansen was visibly upset, saying “his heart goes out to Todd and his family and Rick and every guy on the boat. Nobody deserves this.” He awaited his son-in-law’s return from the Northwestern, which took about a week. They were eventually reunited along with the rest of Sig’s grandchildren. Jake Anderson was at home with his own children in Seattle. He said “when you hear something like this happen, your mind tries to fix it and remedy the situation.”  He added, “death, there is no fixing it.”

“Todd’s not done. He is just in a different place,” Rick later said. Nothing will ever be the same.”

The episode then moved forward to 10 weeks later where many of the captains and crews paid tribute to Todd at the Seattle Fishermen’s Memorial. It was a sadly familiar spot for the crew, The same place had names including Sig’s father Sverre and former Cornelia Marie Captain Phil Harris were also remembered.  Keith Colburn’s crew member Lynn Guitard, who also went overboard this season on the Wizard, had survivor’s guilt… “Why was I the lucky one,” he questioned. Rick said a prayer for Todd and his family. Sig said his priorities changed for him to put family first. Todd was shown speaking about how he wanted his children to work toward their dreams and goals and to work hard and be successful in life. The final image was an “In Memory Of” for the beloved fallen deckhand.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”