Todd Meadows had a FaceTime conversation with his three children just before he tragically fell overboard from the Aleutian Lady crab vessel in February 2026, Us Weekly reports.
- September 28, 2026
AceShowbiz - Todd Meadows had a FaceTime conversation with his three children just before he tragically fell overboard from the Aleutian Lady crab vessel in February 2026, Us Weekly reports. During the call, he and his daughter talked about safety and made plans for a family salmon fishing trip upon his return home.
Us Weekly also detailed that Todd Meadows, who was 25 years old at the time, fell into the Bering Sea on February 25, 2026, and was recovered unresponsive after spending six minutes and 26 seconds in the water. TMZ and Page Six confirm that he was declared dead aboard the vessel at 5:15 PM that day, with drowning combined with hypothermia cited as the cause. Captain Rick Shelford immediately ordered the crew to turn the boat around and begin rescue efforts, urging CPR throughout the attempt. The United States Coast Guard verified that Meadows’ body was retrieved within 10 minutes of him going overboard. Both TMZ and Page Six note that the incident was filmed for the show Deadliest Catch, but the family requested that no footage of the accident be aired. A GoFundMe campaign for his family has raised tens of thousands of dollars following the announcement of his passing.
Todd Meadows was a deckhand featured on Deadliest Catch, a Discovery Channel series that follows crab fishing crews in Alaska. AceShowbiz has previously covered how Season 22 of the show paid tribute to him after his sudden death during filming. Captain Shelford described Meadows as a beloved new crew member who quickly became like family, praising his dedication and joyful spirit. Fellow crew members emphasized that the accident was not his fault, and the captain asked for continued prayers for Meadows’ wife and children as they cope with the loss.
This heartbreaking update underscores the real dangers faced by commercial fishermen in extreme environments and highlights the personal sacrifice Todd Meadows made to support his young family. His final moments spent connecting with his children and planning future outings add a poignant layer to the tragedy that resonated deeply with fans and the fishing community alike.
This article is based on reporting originally published by Us Weekly.
