Sadly, former Deadliest Catch star Blake Painter was found dead at age 38 in his Oregon home on May 29, 2018. Painter struggled with heroin addiction and had previously been arrested for drug possession, per USA Today. Although the toxicology report was never made public, a police report obtained by TMZ stated that drug paraphernalia was discovered at the scene where he died.
Fellow crew member Jake Harris also battled addiction after his father, Captain Phil's untimely passing at age 53 due to a heart attack. Jake left the series ahead of Season 15, and in a June 2020 interview with Ace Showbiz, his brother, Josh Harris, provided an encouraging update about his life. "Jake is actually doing really well," Josh said.
In July 2020, fans were stunned by the sudden death of deckhand Mahlon Reyes (pictured above right), who died of a heart attack at age 38. Mahlon was removed from life support, and his wife Heather Sullivan told USA Today that fond memories of their life together made the "impossible situation bearable." She added, "He was my rock, as I was his." Deck boss Nick posted a memorial tribute photo on Twitter to honor Mahlon.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse and mental health, please contact SAMHSA's 24-hour National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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