‘Deadliest Catch’ Star Todd Meadows’ Cause of Death Revealed as Family Eyes Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Deadliest Catch star Todd Meadow’s cause of death has been revealed a little over a month after he passed away.

TMZ reported on Monday, April 6, that the reality star died from “drowning with probable hypothermia” and “submersion of body in cold water,” according to his death certificate. The outlet also stated that an autopsy was performed and his death was officially ruled an accident.

That same day, TMZ obtained legal documents that indicated Meadows’ family is preparing to file a wrongful death suit. However, it’s unclear who would be targeted in the lawsuit.

Meadows died at just 25 years old on February 25. His Deadliest Catch costar, Captain Rick Shelford, revealed the news in a heartbreaking post shared via Facebook.

“February 25, 2026 was the most tragic day in the history of the Aleutian Lady on the Bering Sea,” Shelford wrote. “We lost our brother, Todd Meadows. Todd was the newest member of our crew, he quickly became family.”

The post went on to praise Meadows’ “love for fishing” and his “strong work ethic” which “earned everyone’s respect right away.” Shelford added that “the sound of his laughter” is something he and the rest of crew would “carry with [them] always.”

“We ask that you lift Todd’s children and family in prayer and keep them in your thoughts as they face the days ahead without him,” Shelford continued. “Todd will forever be part of this boat, this crew, and this brotherhood. Though we lost him far too soon, his legacy will live on through his children and in every memory we carry of him. Rest easy brother, till we meet again.”

On March 3, a spokesperson for the United States Coast Guard Arctic District told People that Meadows died after he “fell overboard.”

“Coast Guard watchstanders at the Arctic District command center in Juneau received notification from the fishing vessel Aleutian Lady, reporting that a crew member by the name of Todd Meadows fell overboard approximately 170 miles north of Dutch Harbor,” the spokesperson said. “He was recovered unresponsive by the crew approximately ten minutes later. First aid and attempts to resuscitate were unsuccessful, and the crew transported the deceased to Dutch Harbor.”

Meadows’ death happened to be caught on camera, and as Globe previously reported, his mother has begged Discovery to not air the footage.

“We don’t want to see any footage from the accident and do not want Discovery to air any of that footage or make money off of our son’s death. We hope they only air good things of Todd on that boat,” Angela Meadows told TMZ on March 4.

Meadows is survived by his partner, Kennady Harvey, and their three children.