The Discovery Channel was originally a documentary-style network focused on educational programming and fact-based shows based on science, geography, technology, and history. However, this has changed dramatically over the past two decades, with the network releasing more reality television shows. That’s largely down to the success of series like “Gold Rush” and “Deadliest Catch,” two shows that show people working in harsh and dangerous conditions.

Debuting in 2005, “Deadliest Catch” has been a huge ratings hit and spawned several similar series, including “Wicked Tuna,” “Lobster Wars,” and “River Monsters.” It follows several ships fishing for crab in the Bering Sea, giving viewers an in-depth look into the lives of fishermen and how tough the job is on a daily basis.

With fishermen working long hours and facing almost constant danger, “Deadliest Catch” often shows treacherous events that leave viewers breathless. However, the cast of the reality series have had their own private struggles, and many of them have gone through some truly tragic incidents that fans might not know about.

Blake Painter died of a suspected drug overdose

Blake Painter first appeared in “Deadliest Catch” in 2006 and initially worked as an engineer before taking the helm of the F/V Maverick. He was featured in 10 episodes of the reality television series during the second and third seasons but later quit the show — although he did continue to work as a crab fisherman in real life.

At just 38 years of age, Painter was found dead at his home in May 2018 by police officers. Friends had contacted authorities after noticing a seemingly lifeless body at Painter’s home, while he had been missing for several days. Although there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, reports indicated that Painter had been arrested a few months before for allegedly using heroin while driving.

According to TMZ, several drugs were found in the room where Painter’s body was located when police searched the premises. While no cause of death was provided, he was suspected to have died due to an overdose.

If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

TELEVISION REALITY TV
Tragic Details About The Cast Of Deadliest Catch
David Livingston/Getty Images
BY NATHAN P. GIBSONUPDATED: JUNE 20, 2024 10:06 AM EST
The Discovery Channel was originally a documentary-style network focused on educational programming and fact-based shows based on science, geography, technology, and history. However, this has changed dramatically over the past two decades, with the network releasing more reality television shows. That’s largely down to the success of series like “Gold Rush” and “Deadliest Catch,” two shows that show people working in harsh and dangerous conditions.

Debuting in 2005, “Deadliest Catch” has been a huge ratings hit and spawned several similar series, including “Wicked Tuna,” “Lobster Wars,” and “River Monsters.” It follows several ships fishing for crab in the Bering Sea, giving viewers an in-depth look into the lives of fishermen and how tough the job is on a daily basis.

With fishermen working long hours and facing almost constant danger, “Deadliest Catch” often shows treacherous events that leave viewers breathless. However, the cast of the reality series have had their own private struggles, and many of them have gone through some truly tragic incidents that fans might not know about.

Blake Painter died of a suspected drug overdose
Discovery
Blake Painter first appeared in “Deadliest Catch” in 2006 and initially worked as an engineer before taking the helm of the F/V Maverick. He was featured in 10 episodes of the reality television series during the second and third seasons but later quit the show — although he did continue to work as a crab fisherman in real life.

At just 38 years of age, Painter was found dead at his home in May 2018 by police officers. Friends had contacted authorities after noticing a seemingly lifeless body at Painter’s home, while he had been missing for several days. Although there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, reports indicated that Painter had been arrested a few months before for allegedly using heroin while driving.

According to TMZ, several drugs were found in the room where Painter’s body was located when police searched the premises. While no cause of death was provided, he was suspected to have died due to an overdose.

If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Jake Anderson’s sister and father both died while he was on the show

Out of the many crab fishermen who have starred in “Deadliest Catch” as a leading cast member, Jake Anderson is one of the longest serving. He made his debut on the show in 2007 and has so far appeared in just over 200 episodes, eventually going on to become the captain of the ship known as Saga. However, his time on the show has not been easy for the fisherman, and he has received bad news on two separate occasions about his family while on screen.

The first happened in an episode during Season 5 of “Deadliest Catch” recorded in February 2009. He was told that his sister, Chelsea Dawn Anderson, had passed away unexpectedly. She had suffered from Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis since childhood and died due to complications of pneumonia that were exacerbated by her chronic condition.

A year later, in a Season 6 episode, the crew broke the news to Anderson that his father had gone missing. Keith Anderson’s truck had been discovered empty in a remote area of Washington. The 62-year-old was presumed dead due to the freezing conditions, although his body was not found until two years later when a hiker came across unidentified human remains.

Mahlon Reyes had a fatal heart attack

Having first appeared in the 2012 episode “The Hook” as a greenhorn aboard the fishing vessel known as the Seabrooke, Mahlon Reyes became a regular throughout the eighth season. Reyes was promoted to deckhand on the Seabrooke in later seasons before transferring to the Cape Caution in 2014. He was then absent for over half a decade until his return as a deckhand on the Summer Bay in 2020 for three episodes.

Those episodes proved to be the final time that Reyes would be on screen in “Deadliest Catch.” In August 2020, he died at the age of 38 from a heart attack. According to his family members, Reyes was not suffering from any pre-existing health conditions, and the heart attack came as a total surprise. He is survived by his wife and their four children, with his family later revealing that his ashes were to be scattered at sea. A later episode of “Deadliest Catch” was subsequently aired in memory of the fisherman.

“On Sunday night our family together made the hardest choice we’ve ever made and that was to remove him from life support. Mahlon’s body was tired and had put up an amazing fight. He was the strongest guy we knew,” read a post from his family on Facebook (via USA Today). “He was surrounded by so much love.”

TELEVISION REALITY TV
Tragic Details About The Cast Of Deadliest Catch
David Livingston/Getty Images
BY NATHAN P. GIBSONUPDATED: JUNE 20, 2024 10:06 AM EST
The Discovery Channel was originally a documentary-style network focused on educational programming and fact-based shows based on science, geography, technology, and history. However, this has changed dramatically over the past two decades, with the network releasing more reality television shows. That’s largely down to the success of series like “Gold Rush” and “Deadliest Catch,” two shows that show people working in harsh and dangerous conditions.

Debuting in 2005, “Deadliest Catch” has been a huge ratings hit and spawned several similar series, including “Wicked Tuna,” “Lobster Wars,” and “River Monsters.” It follows several ships fishing for crab in the Bering Sea, giving viewers an in-depth look into the lives of fishermen and how tough the job is on a daily basis.

With fishermen working long hours and facing almost constant danger, “Deadliest Catch” often shows treacherous events that leave viewers breathless. However, the cast of the reality series have had their own private struggles, and many of them have gone through some truly tragic incidents that fans might not know about.

Blake Painter died of a suspected drug overdose
Discovery
Blake Painter first appeared in “Deadliest Catch” in 2006 and initially worked as an engineer before taking the helm of the F/V Maverick. He was featured in 10 episodes of the reality television series during the second and third seasons but later quit the show — although he did continue to work as a crab fisherman in real life.

At just 38 years of age, Painter was found dead at his home in May 2018 by police officers. Friends had contacted authorities after noticing a seemingly lifeless body at Painter’s home, while he had been missing for several days. Although there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, reports indicated that Painter had been arrested a few months before for allegedly using heroin while driving.

According to TMZ, several drugs were found in the room where Painter’s body was located when police searched the premises. While no cause of death was provided, he was suspected to have died due to an overdose.

If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Jake Anderson’s sister and father both died while he was on the show
Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock
Out of the many crab fishermen who have starred in “Deadliest Catch” as a leading cast member, Jake Anderson is one of the longest serving. He made his debut on the show in 2007 and has so far appeared in just over 200 episodes, eventually going on to become the captain of the ship known as Saga. However, his time on the show has not been easy for the fisherman, and he has received bad news on two separate occasions about his family while on screen.

The first happened in an episode during Season 5 of “Deadliest Catch” recorded in February 2009. He was told that his sister, Chelsea Dawn Anderson, had passed away unexpectedly. She had suffered from Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis since childhood and died due to complications of pneumonia that were exacerbated by her chronic condition.

A year later, in a Season 6 episode, the crew broke the news to Anderson that his father had gone missing. Keith Anderson’s truck had been discovered empty in a remote area of Washington. The 62-year-old was presumed dead due to the freezing conditions, although his body was not found until two years later when a hiker came across unidentified human remains.

Mahlon Reyes had a fatal heart attack
Grunge
Having first appeared in the 2012 episode “The Hook” as a greenhorn aboard the fishing vessel known as the Seabrooke, Mahlon Reyes became a regular throughout the eighth season. Reyes was promoted to deckhand on the Seabrooke in later seasons before transferring to the Cape Caution in 2014. He was then absent for over half a decade until his return as a deckhand on the Summer Bay in 2020 for three episodes.

Those episodes proved to be the final time that Reyes would be on screen in “Deadliest Catch.” In August 2020, he died at the age of 38 from a heart attack. According to his family members, Reyes was not suffering from any pre-existing health conditions, and the heart attack came as a total surprise. He is survived by his wife and their four children, with his family later revealing that his ashes were to be scattered at sea. A later episode of “Deadliest Catch” was subsequently aired in memory of the fisherman.

“On Sunday night our family together made the hardest choice we’ve ever made and that was to remove him from life support. Mahlon’s body was tired and had put up an amazing fight. He was the strongest guy we knew,” read a post from his family on Facebook (via USA Today). “He was surrounded by so much love.”

Several Captains have seen their ships sink with tragic consequences