'Deadliest Catch' Deckhand Nick Mavar Passes Away at 59
Nick Mavar Jr., a deckhand on the F/V Northwestern and a familiar face on the television series Deadliest Catch, has passed away at the age of 59. Mavar died on Thursday in Naknek, Alaska, following a medical emergency. He was transported to a medical facility where he was pronounced dead. This tragic event was reported by both USA Today and the New York Post.
Mavar was an enduring figure in the Deadliest Catch series, appearing in 16 seasons from Season 2 to Season 17. His time on the show saw him involved in the gripping and hazardous world of Alaskan crab fishing. Deadliest Catch is currently in its 20th season, a milestone that highlights the show's ongoing popularity and the dangerous careers it chronicles (USA Today).
In December 2022, Mavar made headlines for suing his employer, F/V Northwestern, alleging that he was seriously and permanently injured due to a ruptured appendix while on board the ship. According to Mavar, his employer failed to secure timely medical care, leading to the rupture. Later, a cancerous tumor was discovered inside his appendix. The legal complaint details that Mavar left the show abruptly following this medical emergency during a voyage in December 2020 (New York Post; USA Today).
As a response, the F/V Northwestern filed a countersuit against the production company, arguing that appropriate medical care was not provided during the COVID-19 pandemic (USA Today).
Nick Mavar Jr.'s contributions to Deadliest Catch extended beyond the main series; he also appeared in spinoffs such as Deadliest Catch: Siberian Winter and Deadliest Catch: The Bait (New York Post). His presence on the show showcased not only the perilous nature of crab fishing but also the camaraderie and resilience of those who work in this demanding industry.
Born in Croatia, Mavar brought a rich cultural background to his role on the F/V Northwestern. His passing follows the deaths of former Deadliest Catch co-stars Mahlon Reyes and Nick McGlashan in 2020, adding to the series of losses that have affected the Deadliest Catch community (New York Post).
Nick Mavar Jr.'s death is a poignant reminder of the arduous and often hazardous lives led by Alaskan crab fishermen. His legacy, captured through 98 episodes of Deadliest Catch and its spinoffs, will continue to resonate with viewers and fellow fishermen alike (New York Post; USA Today).