'Deadliest Catch' deckhand cause of death revealed

His manner of death was ruled an accident, and an autopsy was performed.

Coast Guard watchstanders at the Arctic District command center in Juneau received notification from a fishing vessel just after 5 p.m. local Alaska time that a crew member fell overboard, officials told Fox News Digital.

"He was recovered unresponsive by the crew approximately ten minutes later," authorities said. "First aid and attempts to resuscitate were unsuccessful, and the crew transported the deceased to Dutch Harbor."

"The Coast Guard is currently investigating this situation. As the nation's leading marine safety organization, the Coast Guard investigates marine casualties and accidents to uncover their causes and initiate necessary corrective actions."

Captain Rick Shelford called Meadows' death the "most tragic day in the history" of his boat in a statement shared on social media.

"His smile was contagious, and the sound of his laughter coming up the wheelhouse stairs or over the deck hailer is something we will carry with us always."

"Todd will forever be part of this boat, this crew, and this brotherhood," Shelford added. "Though we lost him far too soon, his legacy will live on through his children and in every memory we carry of him. Rest easy brother, till we meet again."

A crowdfunding campaign created to support Meadows' children noted that he died "while doing what he loved - crabbing out on Alaskan waters."