‘Deadliest Catch’ Deckhand Todd Meadows Dead at 25

A rookie deckhand on a fishing vessel featured in “Deadliest Catch” is lifeless… and it occurred at sea.

Todd Meadows died Wednesday aboard the Aleutian Lady on the Bering Sea … based on a Facebook post from “Deadliest Catch” star Captain Rick Shelford.

Our sources say the deckhand died in a fishing-related incident throughout filming, though it is unclear if the cameras caught the incident on tape.

Captain Shelford referred to as the deadly incident the “most tragic day” on his boat… and he says Todd earned everybody’s respect immediately along with his love for fishing and a robust work ethic.

He says Todd’s “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.”

Captain Shelford provides… “Todd’s love for his children, his family, and his life was evident in everything he did. He worked hard, loved deeply, and brought joy to those around him.”

Our sources say after Todd’s dying, a memo was despatched to “Deadliest Catch” producers informing them concerning the incident and offering assets to assist take care of grieving.

Captain Shelford says… “Right now, our hearts are broken in a way that words can’t fully express. 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.”

He provides… (*25*)

In a press release, a spokesperson for Discovery Channel tells TMZ… “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Todd Meadows. 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.”

Todd was solely 25.