Where Are They Now? Deadliest Catch Stars’ Lives Beyond the Bering Sea

For over two decades, Deadliest Catch has captivated audiences with the perilous world of Alaskan crab fishing, turning rugged captains and crew into household names. The Bering Sea’s unforgiving waves have tested their limits, but life after—or alongside—the cameras has brought new challenges and triumphs. From health battles and family priorities to legal troubles and fresh ventures, here’s an update on 12 iconic stars, based on recent reports and their own accounts. Some continue to brave the seas, while others have charted entirely new courses.

12. Scott Campbell Jr.: From Captain to Entrepreneur

Scott “Junior” Campbell Jr. joined Deadliest Catch in Season 7 as captain of the F/V Seabrooke, bringing enthusiasm and expertise honed from a fishing family legacy. His tenacity shone through, but chronic back pain forced him to step away after Season 10. Undeterred, he returned in Seasons 16 and 17 on the Seabrooke and later the Lady Alaska. Off the water, Campbell founded Cordova Outdoors in Idaho, specializing in high-end coolers and gear, serving as CEO until 2018. In 2023, he launched Beaver Creek Firewood. As of 2026, he’s focused on business, staying connected to his roots through advocacy for fishermen’s health.

11. Mike Fourtner: Family Over the High Seas

Longtime deckhand on the F/V Time Bandit, Mike Fourtner faced the grueling demands of crab fishing—10 months at sea annually from 1998 to 2013. When his wife, Laci, became pregnant with twins, he chose family over the boat, retiring in the Season 9 finale. “I’ve never quit a job in my life,” he said at the time. Now based in Washington, Fourtner sells marine equipment for Cummins Sales and Service across the West Coast, including Alaska. He enjoys time with his active daughters, who love sports, and occasionally reflects on his Deadliest Catch days in interviews.

10. Dean Gribble Jr.: Survivor of Tragedy Turns to Safer Waters

Dean Gribble Jr.’s brief stint on Deadliest Catch in Season 13 was overshadowed by a near-fatal incident. On December 31, 2019, the F/V Scandies Rose sank after hitting ice, claiming five lives, including the captain and his son. Gribble and crewmate John Lawler survived hypothermia in a life raft, rescued by the Coast Guard. The ordeal led him to step back from Bering Sea crabbing. After healing with family, he returned to fishing in calmer waters, sharing adventures on social media under @KingKraba. In 2026, he remains an advocate for maritime safety.

9. Wild Bill Wichrowski: Battling Cancer, Back on Deck

A legend since joining in 2010 as captain of the F/V Summer Bay, “Wild Bill” Wichrowski is known for quick thinking and prioritizing crew safety. In 2023, at the end of Season 19, he revealed a prostate cancer diagnosis, stepping away for treatment during Season 20. By early 2025, he announced being cancer-free on social media, crediting effective treatment. “I will keep going until I can’t,” he declared. Wichrowski returned triumphantly in 2024 and continues captaining in Season 21, inspiring fans with his resilience.

8. Edgar Hansen: Low Profile After Legal Troubles

Edgar Hansen, brother of Captain Sig Hansen, was a fixture from the show’s start, rising from deckhand to deck boss and engineer on the F/V Northwestern. He even captained in Season 9 alongside niece Mandy. In 2018, he pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a teenage girl, receiving a suspended sentence, fine, and probation. Discovery parted ways with him after Season 14. Since then, Hansen has kept a low profile, avoiding social media and public appearances. As of 2026, little is known about his current activities.

7. Josh Harris: Stepping Away Amid Controversy

Josh Harris debuted in Season 3 as a greenhorn on the F/V Cornelia Marie, later becoming captain after his father Phil’s death in 2010. Alongside brother Jake, he became a fan favorite. In 2020, he starred in spin-off Deadliest Catch: Bloodline. However, in 2022, past allegations surfaced: a 1998 guilty plea to assaulting a minor, leading to jail time and supervision. Discovery canceled his involvement and the spin-off. Harris has since maintained a low profile, stepping away from the spotlight entirely by 2026.

6. Jason King: Brief Fame, Legal Downfall

Known as “Tennessee” for his hometown, Jason King appeared in just one episode in Season 11 as a deckhand on the Cornelia Marie. Two years later, in 2017, he was arrested in Tennessee with 14 pounds of marijuana and a firearm, adding to prior offenses. He received a 51-month federal sentence. His fleeting Deadliest Catch tie amplified media coverage. Post-release, King has stayed out of the public eye; no recent updates suggest he’s returned to fishing or television.

5. Zack Larson: Forging His Own Path in Fishing

Son of Wild Bill Wichrowski, Zack Larson started as a greenhorn in Season 6 on the F/V Kodiak, advancing to engineer before joining his father on the Cape Caution. Their on-screen clashes were legendary, with Larson struggling to emerge from his dad’s shadow. In 2019, he left for the F/V Brenna A under Captain Sean Dwyer, shifting to cod fishing as captain of the Eleanor J. As of 2026, Larson continues cod fishing, enjoying independence while maintaining a complex but improving relationship with his father.

4. Elliott Nece: Overcoming Addiction and Incarceration

Elliott Nece joined in Season 7 as captain of the Ramblin’ Rose, later the Saga, known for his aggressive style—later admitted as camera fodder. Addiction issues surfaced; he left mid-Season 11 for rehab. In 2019, a raid uncovered drugs and cash, leading to charges as part of a dealing ring. Sentenced to months in prison, he violated probation in 2022 with a positive drug test, earning 30 more months. Released by 2025, Nece has focused on recovery, sharing sober milestones online in 2026.

3. Joshua Tel Warner: From Greenhorn to Convicted Robber

Joshua Tel Warner appeared as a greenhorn on the F/V Wizard in Season 5, claiming novice status at sea—but he was experienced in crime. He robbed an Oregon bank in 2007 before the show, bragged to crew (who dismissed it), then hit the same bank twice in 2009 while episodes aired. Arrested in December 2009, he served nine years. Warner has avoided social media and public life since release; his whereabouts in 2026 remain unknown, with no return to fishing reported.

2. Sig Hansen: The Pioneer Endures Health Scares

Captain of the F/V Northwestern since the show’s premiere, Sig Hansen embodies traditional fishing with maps and instinct. A firm leader, he’s cherished family bonds on screen. Heart attacks in 2016 and 2018 prompted lifestyle changes: quitting smoking and alcohol. By 2026, he’s healthier and still captaining, with daughter Mandy increasing her role—though retirement isn’t imminent. Hansen remains a staple in Season 21, balancing legacy and well-being.

1. Jake Anderson: Rising Through Adversity

Jake Anderson, one of the youngest captains, started at 17 fishing salmon, joining Deadliest Catch at 26 as a greenhorn on the Northwestern. Promoted to deck boss, he later captained the Saga. Personal losses—uncle Brian Mavar, sister Chelsea, and father—fueled addiction struggles; he sought sobriety off-show. Financial woes led to the Saga’s repossession by 2025, returning him to the Northwestern as crew. Author of Relapse, Anderson inspires with his journey, active on the show in 2026.

Editorial: Reflections on the Deadliest Catch Legacy

The Bering Sea, named after explorer Vitus Bering, remains a deadly arena of shallow waters, rogue waves, and ice floes. Yet, its bounty draws brave souls year after year. Deadliest Catch not only showcases the risks but the human toll—exhaustion, injuries, and personal sacrifices. As fans, we admire their grit; these updates remind us that survival extends beyond the boat. What are your thoughts on these stars’ paths? Write to the editor.