The family of late Deadliest Catch star Todd Meadows is potentially preparing to file a wrongful death lawsuit after the fisherman’s untimely death.
Court documents obtained by Luxury Handbag Shopping on Monday, April 6, noted that Meadows’ estate and his heirs/beneficiaries have “wrongful death and survival action claims as a result of those parties at fault” for his death.
The docs requested that Meadows’ estate must be opened, noting that the major assets of the estate are the wrongful death and survival claims.
It was also requested that the court provide authority to Todd’s mother, Angela, “to engage wrongful death/survival claims attorneys to pursue those claims.” The docs claimed that all wrongful death settlement proceeds would be held in an Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Account (IOLTA) “until agreed upon distribution or by court order.”
The reality show was in production on season 22 when Meadows died in February after a “fishing-related” incident that occurred during filming. He was 25. Producers received a memo notifying them of the accident and providing resources for cast and crew.
An official death certificate obtained by TMZ on Monday noted that Meadows’ cause of death was ruled as “drowning with probable hypothermia” and “submersion of body in cold water.” He was pronounced dead at 5:15 p.m. on February 25 in an “accident” aboard the Aleutian Lady crab vessel in the Bering Sea, per the certificate. His body has reportedly been cremated after it was transported back to Anchorage, Alaska.
A GoFundMe was launched after Meadows’ death “to help support his three boys, assist with funeral expenses and help ease the financial burden in the months ahead.” A Friday, April 3, update for the fundraiser, which raised more than $58,000 at the time of publication, shared that there were “over 400 people” at Meadows’ service.
“It was unbelievable and filled our hearts with so much love,” the message read. “Todd was loved by MANY and that just shows what an amazing human being he was! He definitely made a name for himself and was sooo excited to be coming back home to his family! Every donation, every text, every message, every flower sent, card given, food brought over, hugs, support, and LOVE!”
The statement continued, “We wish we could do something for everyone to show you how incredibly thankful and blessed we are!! I know my son Todd is looking down and saying, YES, THAT’S MY FAMILY, THANK YOU, I LOVE YOU ALL ❤️ the money that is being raised will be put aside for his burial, headstone, and his precious children!! please keep sharing(maybe make it open to public when you share) The Meadows family is going to be paying it forward for a very long time!! God bless each and everyone of you❤️.”
