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5 Shocking Facts About Nick Mavar Jr.: The Deadliest Catch Star's Tragic Life, Lawsuit, And Recent Death

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The world of commercial fishing, already known for its perilous nature on the Bering Sea, was rocked again this year with the news of a cast member’s passing. As of today, December 21, 2025, fans of Discovery Channel’s long-running reality series, Deadliest Catch, are mourning the loss of Nick Mavar Jr., a beloved and long-serving deckhand on the F/V Northwestern. Mavar, who was a fixture on the show for 16 seasons, died unexpectedly in June 2024, bringing a somber close to a life marked by high-stakes fishing, serious on-screen medical emergencies, and a contentious legal battle with the show’s production.

This article dives deep into the dramatic life and recent passing of Nick Mavar Jr., detailing his decades-long career, the medical crisis that forced his retirement, and the major lawsuit he filed against the show’s owners. We also provide crucial context by addressing the other prominent cast member with the same first name, Nick McGlashan, whose own tragic death contributed to the show's difficult legacy.

Nick Mavar Jr. Biography and Profile

Nick Mavar Jr. was a highly respected commercial fisherman whose career spanned decades on the treacherous Alaskan waters, culminating in his long tenure on the hit reality series. His dedication to his craft and his role as Captain Sig Hansen's right-hand man made him a fan favorite.

  • Full Name: Nickola Mavar Jr.
  • Born: October 21, 1964
  • Hometown/Birthplace: San Pedro, California
  • Died: June 13, 2024
  • Age at Death: 59
  • Location of Death: Naknek, Alaska
  • Cause of Death: Medical emergency, reported as a heart attack
  • Vessel on Deadliest Catch: F/V Northwestern
  • Role on Vessel: Deckhand/Engineer
  • Seasons on Show: 16 seasons (from 2005 to 2021)
  • Episodes Appeared In: 98 episodes
  • Known For: His steadfast work ethic, resourcefulness, and being a key member of the *Northwestern* crew under Captain Sig Hansen.

The Tragic End: Nick Mavar Jr.'s Sudden Death in Alaska

The news of Nick Mavar Jr.’s death on June 13, 2024, sent shockwaves through the *Deadliest Catch* community, marking yet another major loss for the show. Mavar passed away after suffering a medical emergency while at a boatyard in Naknek, Alaska. The Bristol Bay Borough Police Department confirmed the death, stating that Mavar suffered a heart attack while on dry dock.

His passing at the age of 59 comes just a few years after he was forced to retire from the demanding life of Bering Sea crab fishing due to a severe on-the-job medical crisis. Mavar had transitioned to working as a commercial salmon fisherman and was known for his tenacity and skill in the trade, even after leaving the reality television spotlight.

The loss is particularly poignant for the Hansen family and the crew of the F/V Northwestern, where Mavar spent nearly two decades. Captain Sig Hansen often referred to Mavar as his "right-hand man," underscoring the deep professional and personal bond forged over years of facing the brutal elements of the Alaskan crab fisheries.

From Deckhand to Plaintiff: Mavar’s On-Air Medical Crisis and $1 Million Lawsuit

Nick Mavar Jr.'s departure from Deadliest Catch in 2021 was not a quiet retirement but the result of a life-threatening medical event that occurred while filming. The incident was a major plot point on the show, highlighting the extreme dangers that go beyond the usual harsh weather and mechanical failures.

The Ruptured Appendix and Cancer Diagnosis

In 2020, while out at sea filming a crab expedition, Mavar experienced severe abdominal pain. The situation was critical: he had a ruptured appendix. The subsequent emergency medical attention led to a further devastating discovery: Mavar was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor. This dual medical emergency, which required immediate evacuation and surgery, was the catalyst for his decision to step away from the rigors of the crab season permanently.

The Legal Battle Against the Producers

The medical crisis at sea became the center of a major legal controversy. In 2021, Mavar filed a civil lawsuit against Hansen Enterprises, Inc. (Captain Sig Hansen's company) and the production company behind Deadliest Catch, Original Productions. Mavar sought over $1 million in damages, alleging that the companies were negligent in their duty to provide timely and adequate medical care at sea.

The core of the lawsuit was the claim that the production failed to have an adequate plan in place for medical emergencies, which Mavar argued exacerbated his condition and led to his ruptured appendix. This legal action brought to light the complex and often murky relationship between the reality stars of Deadliest Catch and the production companies responsible for their safety in one of the world's most dangerous workplaces, the Bering Sea. The lawsuit remains a significant part of Mavar's legacy, highlighting the ongoing debate about the responsibility of reality television producers for the well-being of their cast members.

The Other Nick: Remembering Nick McGlashan

When fans hear the name "Nick" from Deadliest Catch, two individuals come to mind. While Nick Mavar Jr.'s death is the most recent tragedy, the show previously mourned the loss of another prominent cast member: Nick McGlashan.

Nick McGlashan was a 7th-generation fisherman and served as the deck boss on the F/V Summer Bay. His life was marked by a public struggle with substance abuse, which was documented on the show as part of his journey to sobriety. Tragically, McGlashan died on December 27, 2020, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the young age of 33.

McGlashan’s death was a profound loss for the *Deadliest Catch* family. He was a key figure on the *Summer Bay*, known for his deep knowledge of fishing and his quick wit. The back-to-back losses of two Nicks—both young, skilled fishermen who faced severe personal and medical challenges—have cemented the show's reputation as one with a truly "deadly" cast history, a grim reminder of the high price paid by those who chase King Crab and Opilio Crab in the unforgiving Alaskan waters.

The Legacy of the Deadliest Catch Nicks

The stories of Nick Mavar Jr. and Nick McGlashan are emblematic of the high-risk, high-reward life chronicled by Deadliest Catch. Mavar's 16 seasons on the *Northwestern* cemented his status as a legendary deckhand, a key cog in the machine of the most famous crab boat in the fleet. His final years, however, were defined by a medical emergency and a lawsuit that exposed the behind-the-scenes dangers of reality TV production, even after surviving years on the Bering Sea.

McGlashan’s story, on the other hand, was a raw and public battle with addiction, a different kind of life-or-death struggle played out against the backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness. Together, their legacies serve as a powerful testament to the harsh realities faced by commercial fishermen. Their passing adds to a growing list of cast members who have tragically died, including Captain Phil Harris, further fueling the show's intense topical authority around themes of danger, risk, and the human cost of the King Crab and Opilio Crab fisheries.

Fans continue to honor Nick Mavar Jr.’s memory by rewatching his steadfast work on the *Northwestern*, a true Bering Sea veteran who, despite leaving the show, remained a commercial fisherman until his final day in Naknek, Alaska.

5 Shocking Facts About Nick Mavar Jr.: The Deadliest Catch Star's Tragic Life, Lawsuit, and Recent Death
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