A spokesperson for the United States Coast Guard Arctic District tells PEOPLE that Meadows was working on the Aleutian Lady when he “fell overboard” on Feb. 25
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New details are emerging in the sudden death of Deadliest Catch deckhand Todd Meadows.
On Tuesday, March 3, a spokesperson for the United States Coast Guard Arctic District tells PEOPLE in a statement that Meadows, who died on Feb. 25 at the age of 25, was on the job when he “fell overboard” just after 5 p.m. local time in Alaska.
“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 statement reads. “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.”
In the statement, the Coast Guard shared that officials are “currently investigating this situation.” “As the nation’s leading marine safety organization, the Coast Guard investigates marine casualties and accidents to uncover their causes and initiate necessary corrective actions,” it continues.
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In a separate statement to PEOPLE, a Discovery Channel spokesperson paid tribute to Meadows.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Todd Meadows,” the statement said. “This is a devastating loss, and our hearts are with his loved ones, his crewmates, and the entire fishing community during this incredibly difficult time.”
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A GoFundMe was also launched, originally setting a goal to raise $16,000 for Meadows’ family. It has since been increased to $45,000.
“We are heartbroken to share the sudden passing of Todd Morgan Meadows, a beloved 25-year-old father, son, brother and friend, who left us far too soon while doing what he loved — crabbing out on Alaskan waters,” the fundraiser page read. “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.”
“This unimaginable loss has left his children without their father, his parents without their son, his siblings without their brother and his family broken,” it continued. “As the family navigates this heartbreaking time, we are raising funds to help support his three boys, assist with funeral expenses, and help ease the financial burden in the months ahead. Any donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward honoring his life and ensuring his boys are cared for in the way he would have wanted. If you are unable to give, please keep our family in your prayers and his name alive like he wanted.”
The GoFundMe had raised just over $32,000 as of Tuesday.
