DEADLIEST Catch star Todd Meadows suffered a serious head injury weeks before camera crew filmed his shocking boat death, it has been revealed.

The beloved deckhand on the Discovery channel’s reality TV show was regarded as “family,” said fellow crab fishermen.Todd Meadows lying on a boat deck among many fish, giving a thumbs up.
Deadliest Catch star Todd Meadows died at the age of 25Credit: GoFundMe
 

Todd Meadows, from the show 'Deadliest Catch', wearing a hat and hoodie.
Discovery Channel called Meadows’ death ‘a devastating loss’Credit: GoFundMe
Several weeks before his death, Meadows, 25, suffered a concussion, his mother, Angela Meadows, told TMZ yesterday.

The head injury meant he was unable to return to work at sea for several weeks.

His mother said that after doctor had confirmed concussion, her son had returned to Washington to recover.

Tragically, that was the final week that his family were able to see him, she added.

“The last photo I got of him was when he was building a fire. He was listening to music in the moment and was so happy,” Angela said.

“That’s how I want to remember him.”

Todd Meadows holding a large fish by its head on a hook, standing on a dock.
Todd Meadows’ death is still under investigationCredit: Facebook/Todd Meadows
 

Todd Meadows on a snowy boat deck, wearing an orange jacket and red pants, making a peace sign.
His death is the latest for cast members of the show detailing dangerous crab fishing on the Bering SeaCredit: Facebook/Todd Meadows
The star was later cleared by a doctor to return to his job.

The U.S. Sun has contacted Discovery+ for comment.

Meadows’ body was received at the Anchorage Medical Examiner’s Office on February 27, and his body has since been released, according to a TMZ story on Tuesday.

The cause of death has not been published.

Deadliest Catch documents the lives of crab fishermen working in one of the worlds harshest environments.

The U.S. Coast Guard – which is investigating his death – received a notification shortly after 5 pm on February 25 from the Aleutian Lady.

It was told that the crew member had fallen overboard some 170 miles (274 km) north of Dutch Harbor, Alaska, said Chief Petty Officer Travis Magee, a spokesperson with the Coast Guards Arctic District.

He was recovered unresponsive by the crew approximately ten minutes later, Magee wrote.

Efforts to resuscitate Meadows were unsuccessful, and the crew brought his body to Dutch Harbor, he added.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Todd Meadows,” said Deadliest Catch on social media.

“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.”

Meadows, from Montesano, Washington, was in his first year as a cast member of the Discovery Channel show.

He joined the series last May, but no episodes for the new season have aired.

He is survived by three sons, and a GoFundMe has been started to support them.

The fundraiser said Meadows had died what doing what he loved best: crabbing on Alaska waters.

Angela has already told Discovery that his family doesn’t want footage of his distressing death to be aired.

During a previous interview with TMZ, she also said that she had been assured Meadows did not suffer in his final moments.