The mother of Deadliest Catch deckhand Todd Meadows is requesting that producers of the Discovery Channel show not air any footage from the accident that resulted in her son’s death last month.
According to TMZ, the 25-year-old fell overboard February 25 while crabbing on a fishing boat off the coast of Alaska. Todd’s unresponsive body was recovered from the Bering Sea approximately 10 minutes later, Page Six reports, though attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
Todd’s bunkmate onboard confirmed that ‘Deadliest Catch’ cameras were rolling at the time of Todd’s fatal accident; however, Todd’s mom Angela Meadows is requesting that producers prevent the footage from being aired.
“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,” Angela told TMZ in a statement. “We hope they only air good things of Todd on that boat.”
Angela also reportedly asked producers for footage of her son crabbing in order for their family to “have the videos for memories.”
Todd’s family continues to wait for answers as to how he died, as the Coast Guard’s investigation is ongoing, though Angela told TMZ she was assured that Todd– who is survived by three sons– did not suffer in his final moments. She also explained that while her family doesn’t want to place the blame of Todd’s death on anyone, she believes that “someone has to take responsibility.”
“We will have justice for Todd,” she told the outlet, adding that she hopes ‘Deadliest Catch’ producers didn’t just stand by and film during her son’s fatal accident.
Captain Rick Shelford of ‘Deadliest Catch’ addressed Todd’s death this week on Facebook, calling February 25 “the most tragic day in the history of the Aleutian Lady on the Bering Sea.” Captain Rick noted that Todd was the newest member of the boat’s crew and that he “worked hard, loved deeply, and brought joy to those around him.”
“Right now, our hearts are broken in a way that words can’t fully express,” Captain Rick’s post went on to state. “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.
“Todd will forever be part of this boat, this crew, and this brotherhood,” he continued. “Though we lost him far too soon, his legacy will live on through his children and in every memory we carry of him.”
Captain Rick posted about the incident again on Thursday, while continuing to reflect on the emotional loss the crew experienced mid-charter.
“ … being there in that moment is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” he wrote.
A GoFundMe was launched in the wake of Todd’s death. As of press time, the online fundraiser has garnered more than $48,000 in donations.
In recent years, ‘Deadliest Catch’ has seen the death of multiple cast members including Nick McGlashan in 2020, Blake Painter in 2018 and Captain Tony Lara in 2015.
RELATED STORY: ‘Deadliest Catch’ Deck Boss Nick McGlashan Dead at 33: Castmatest Mourn His Loss
(Photos: Instagram; Facebook)
One Response
I used to watch Deadliest Catch when it first came out. There is so much danger to what they do. As a viewer I think we all have a natural curiosity as to what happened. But as a mom I would never want my son’s death on national TV. I truly hope that Discovery channel does the right thing. They have to remember that he was a father to 3 children. No one would want to see their father’s death.