Nick McGlashan, who was best known as a deck hand on the hit reality television show “Deadliest Catch,” passed away on Sunday in Nashville, Tennessee. He was 33 years-old.
TMZ was the first to report McGlashan’s passing, saying that the cause of death had not been revealed. His sister confirmed his death on social media, writing, “My brother Nick passed away. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through. Please hold your loved ones tight.”
McGlashan was a seventh-generation fisherman who had been appearing on “Deadliest Catch” since 2013, earning himself many fans during that time. The Discovery Channel released a brief statement to Yahoo News addressing his passing:
“Our deepest sympathy goes out to Nick’s loved ones during this difficult time. Nick came from a long line of crabbers and was known for his great depth of knowledge. He also had a sharp sense of humor even in the most difficult conditions. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.”
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McGlashan’s bio on Discovery Go made it clear that he had fishing in his blood, as he was named after his great uncle, Nick McGlashan, who worked on the first boat that is believed to have pioneered the U.S. crab industry. Two of his aunts were crabbers as well, with one of them even being lost at sea when her boat sank back in 1986.
McGlashan was only 13 years-old when he began crabbing on the Bering Sea, and he would go on to lead the crew when Captain “Wild” Bill Wichrowski ran the Cape Caution and, most recently, the Summer Bay.
“Nick is known for his witty quips, working through the pain, and not stopping the job until it’s done,” his bio stated. “He has also kept the boat running through all kinds of mechanical issues, manufacturing quick fixes on the fly. Nick has a wealth of fishing experience and, according to Captain Bill, is the epitome of a true crabber.”
McGlashan had his fair share of demons to fight as well, as he battled alcohol and drug addiction at various times in his life. These battles got him kicked off the boat in season 13 before he entered rehab and turned his life around.
“Though he’s had his ups and downs, Nick has battled endlessly to stay sober and embrace a new sober lifestyle and is now so committed to his recovery that he inspires others in their own,” his bio continued.
Tributes for McGlashan have been pouring in for him on social media, showing how beloved by fans he was.
RIP Nick McGlashan 🙏
This guy was immense on #DeadliestCatch and I send my condolences to Bill, all the crew of the Summer Bay and all the family and friends of Nick.
Rip Nick 😢 pic.twitter.com/7mxBGV3AJM
— Lee Middleton (@lvirus316) December 28, 2020
Twitter is a weird and beautiful place.
I have chatted off and on with @NickMcglashan over the years from @DeadliestCatch and have been so proud of his journey.
Gutted to hear he is another gone too soon.
Hugs and love to his family, boat family and friends. ❤️
— Corey Ann (@coreyann) December 28, 2020
My heart is broken. Nick McGlashan was one of my favorite guys on @DeadliestCatch & as strange as it is, all the guys felt like family. We watched them grow & fall & grow again & I’m honored to have followed his life. You will be missed @NickMcglashan Much love to the DC family💚
— Carrie (@carrie_o64) December 28, 2020
Rest in peace, Nick McGlashan.
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