“We hope they only air good things of Todd on that boat.”
Todd Meadows died while fishing on the Bering Sea. Photo / Rick Shelford
Meadows, 25, was in the Bering Sea for about 10 minutes before crew of the fishing vessel Aleutian Lady pulled him from the freezing waters, a spokesperson for the US Coast Guard told Page Six.
He was given first aid but crew were unable to resuscitate him. Meadows’ body was then transported to the remote Amaknak Island, 270km away.
Deadliest Catch is set in the Bering Sea between Alaska and Russia, one of the most dangerous places in the world to fish, according to National Geographic. In winter, the water temperature goes below freezing, the air nears -10C and the boats are buffeted by howling winds.
The Coast Guard said it was investigating the case as it does with any death.
Aleutian Lady captain Rick Shelford said on Facebook the death was “the most tragic day in the history of the Aleutian Lady on the Bering Sea”.
“Todd was the newest member of our crew, he quickly became family. His love for fishing and his strong work ethic earned everyone’s respect right away.
“His smile was contagious, and the sound of his laughter coming up the wheelhouse stairs or over the deck hailer is something we will carry with us always.”
Shelford said Meadows was a caring man who loved his family and worked hard at everything he did.
“Right now, our hearts are broken in a way that words can’t fully express.
“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.”
Since his death, a GoFundMe page has been started to raise funds to “assist with funeral expenses, and help ease the financial burden in the months ahead”.
The page said Meadows died doing what he loved “crabbing out on Alaskan waters”.
“He was a determined dad to three amazing little boys who were his entire world. Everything he did was for them – their smiles, their futures, and the memories they will carry with them.”
To date, the GoFundMe has raised US$42,184 ($71,037) of its US$45,000 target.