“Deadliest Catch” Star Nick Mavar Dies at 59: Remembering a Resilient Deckhand

Nick Mavar, known for his work as a deckhand on Discovery Channel’s extreme fishing reality series “Deadliest Catch,” passed away on Thursday at the age of 59. The Bristol Bay Borough Police Department in Alaska confirmed that Mavar died of natural causes. His body was found in a boat yard in Naknek, Alaska, and his family has been notified.

Mavar was a prominent figure on “Deadliest Catch,” appearing in 98 episodes from Seasons 1 through 17. He worked on the Northwestern fishing boat and became a well-known face in the series’ numerous spinoffs, including “Deadliest Catch: Legends Born & Broken” and “Deadliest Catch: Evolution of Danger.”

Mavar’s journey with “Deadliest Catch” came to an abrupt halt in December 2020 after a health scare during filming. His appendix ruptured, revealing a cancerous tumor, which led to his departure from the show. Following this, Mavar filed a $1 million lawsuit against the boat’s owner, Sig Hansen, alleging a failure to have an adequate emergency medical plan in place, especially given the strict COVID-19 protocols. The lawsuit was later redirected at the show’s production company, Original Productions Inc., after Hansen argued that they were responsible for the protocols that delayed Mavar’s care. The defendants denied the claims, asserting that Mavar and third parties were responsible for the actions leading up to his injuries and that there was no agreement to protect him from such incidents.

This wasn’t Mavar’s first brush with danger on the show. Nine years prior, during an aggressive storm, a hook came loose and struck Mavar in the face, resulting in a broken nose. This incident, much like his appendix scare, was documented on Discovery Channel’s YouTube channel, highlighting the inherent risks and unpredictability of life at sea.

After his departure from “Deadliest Catch,” Mavar continued his maritime career, spending his last days in Bristol Bay captaining his own salmon boat. His passing has left a void in the hearts of many fans who took to social media to mourn his loss and celebrate his contributions to the show.

Mavar is survived by his wife, Julie, who, along with his fans and colleagues, remembers him as a resilient and dedicated fisherman. His legacy on “Deadliest Catch” serves as a testament to the harsh realities of the fishing industry and the indomitable spirit required to endure it.

The impact of Mavar’s death resonates beyond his family and friends, touching the lives of those who followed his journey on “Deadliest Catch.” His story is a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by those who brave the seas and the courage it takes to do so.

As the “Deadliest Catch” community reflects on Mavar’s life and career, his resilience and determination stand out. His experiences, both triumphant and tragic, paint a vivid picture of the life of a fisherman on the Bering Sea. Nick Mavar’s legacy will continue to inspire and remind us of the extraordinary individuals who risk their lives to bring the bounty of the sea to our tables.

Mavar’s death marks the end of an era for “Deadliest Catch,” but his memory will undoubtedly live on through the show’s enduring popularity and the many lives he touched. As fans and loved ones say their goodbyes, they celebrate a life lived with courage, strength, and an unwavering passion for the sea.