Nick Mavar, a prominent deckhand on the Discovery Channel’s hard-core fishing reality series “Deadliest Catch,” died on June 13, 2024, at the age of 59. Mavar, a salmon fisherman, suffered a heart attack while on a ladder at a boatyard in Naknek, Alaska. The event led to a fall onto a dry dock. His wife, Julie, together with the Bristol Bay Borough Police Department, verified his death at a hospital in King Salmon, Alaska.
Mavar featured in 98 episodes of “Deadliest Catch” as a deckhand aboard the “Northwestern” fishing vessel. He also appeared in numerous series spin-offs, such as “Deadliest Catch: Legends Born & Broken” and “Deadliest Catch: Evolution of Danger.”
His stint on the show ended in 2020 after the discovery of a cancerous tumor during surgery for a ruptured appendix. This discovery resulted in a lawsuit against the boat’s owner, Sig Hansen, for not having a sufficient medical plan during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The lawsuit underscored a delay in Mavar’s medical examination and treatment, which his lawyers claimed led to severe complications. The “Deadliest Catch” production company was subsequently implicated for their part in the procedures that delayed his treatment. However, Mavar persisted with his passion for fishing, eventually operating his own salmon business in Bristol Bay.
Expressions of condolence have been shared on social media by fans and colleagues. Northwestern’s captain, Sig Hansen, noted that news of Mavar’s death “spread through the fishing community like wildfire” as a testament to his broad respect and recognition.
Various notable events marked Mavar’s career, including an injury during a storm where a hook hit him in the face, breaking his nose. This incident, along with his medical scare, was documented on the show.
Nick Mavar is survived by his wife, Julie, and other family members. He is remembered not only for his role on “Deadliest Catch” but also for his resilience and dedication to the fishing industry.