Nick Mavar dies at 59: 'Deadliest Catch' star found dead in boat yard after suffering medical emergency

Former F/V Northwestern deckhand Nick Mavar walked out of the 'Deadliest Catch' show in 2021 after his health deteriorated due to his appendix issue
UPDATED JUN 15, 2024
Nick Mavar was battling with health issues for some time, per reports (@mailonline/X)
Nick Mavar was battling with health issues for some time, per reports (@mailonline/X)

Update: The Police Chief of Bristol Bay Borough Police Department informed media that Nick Mavar died of natural causes.

F/V Northwestern Captain Sig Hansen whom Mavar had sued previously, in a statement to USA Today, spoke about Mavar saying, "I have known Nick Mavar for my entire fishing career, he has worked on our family boat for 25 plus years. He was more than a crew member, he was a very good friend and a right hand man."

He added, "The passing of Nick Mavar spread through the fishing community like wild fire. This is no surprise because of how well known and respected he was by the fishing fleet."

Not much is known about his personal life, apart from the fact that he is survived by his wife.

An Instagram photo from 2021 reveals he was married and his wife's name is Julie. According to her social media profile she is the co-owner of Charles Fine Jewelry, a store based out of Washington. 

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BRISTOL BAY, ALASKA: ‘Deadliest Catch’ alum Nick Mavar has died at age 59.

As per TMZ, the former deckhand on the F/V Northwestern on the show passed away on Thursday afternoon, June 13.

He was in Naknek, Alaska, and suffered a medical emergency. 

Local police department on Nick Mavar's death

The Police Chief of Bristol Bay Borough Police Department said Mavar's family had been informed of the unfortunate event.

Mavar was last seen in and around Alaska’s Bristol Bay, captaining his own salmon boat and not interacting much with anyone.

Mavar appeared on 16 seasons of 'Deadliest Catch' which started airing on Discovery Channel in 2005. Fifteen years after making his debut in Season 2, Mavar's final appearance on the Emmy-nominated show was in Season 17, which aired in 2021.

He appeared in 98 episodes, and served as a deckhand responsible for maintaining the Northwestern and its mechanical equipment.

He walked out of the show after his health deteriorated due to his appendix issue.

Mavar's death comes a few years after the deaths of former 'Deadliest Catch' co-stars, Mahlon Reyes and Nick McGlashan, in 2020.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Nick Mavar (@mavarnick360)


 

Nick Mavar previously sued Captain Sig Hansen for lack of medical plans during Covid-19 pandemic

The star even sued Captain Sig Hansen and alleged that there wasn't a proper plan in place that could have helped him access outside medical help during the pandemic.

Mavar claimed that the delay in getting help led to his appendix rupturing, which he claimed had a tumor attached that he wasn't aware of while aboard the F/V Northwestern, per reports.

Hansen defended himself and shot back that he couldn’t be held responsible for the entire ordeal.

Instead, it is on the production company and the medical subcontractor. 

In the most recent update, back in 2023, the Hansen family was fighting in court for medical payments linked to Mavar's injuries.

The case is ongoing, though the judge ruled to suspend proceedings pending the resolution Mavar's case in Washington.



 

Internet mourns the death of Nick Mavar

Netizens remembered ‘Deadliest Catch’ star Mavar after he passed away on Thursday.

One person said on Facebook, "Prayers and condolences to family and friends ❤️‍🩹."

"Oh this breaks my heart. Nick is the best. Prayers to his family and crew mates," another grieved.

A person shared, "Condolences and prayers to the family."

Another admirer wrote, "RIP SIR. Thx for sharing part of your life with us. 🫶🙏."

A well-wisher simply wrote, "Prayers for Family and Friends."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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