‘Deadliest Catch’ Fans Mourn Death Of Beloved Captain

Larry Hendricks from Deadliest Catch / YouTube

Deadliest Catch fans are mourning the death of a beloved captain from the show. The hit reality TV show has been on the air for 19 seasons and well over 300 episodes and through it all, fans have gotten to know a series of captains. Sadly, news broke that one of the original captains passed away earlier this year.

Here is a look at who died and what fans had to say when the word of his passing arrived.

Deadliest Catch loses beloved Captain Larry Hendricks

Word has reached Deadliest Catch fans that Captain Larry Hendricks has died. While newer fans might not recognize his name, Larry was captain of the F/V Sea Star in the first season of the hit reality TV show. He was a long-time veteran of the seas, working as a Bering Sea commercial fisherman. He retired from his job after that first season of the show.

Phil Harris and Larry Hendricks from Deadliest Catch / YouTube

Hendricks died on January 25, 2024, at the age of 70. The Deadliest Catch World Facebook page shared the news when his family announced his passing.  The caption stated, “We here at Deadliest Catch World are sending our Condolences to the Family and Friends of Captain Larry Hendricks from F/V Sea Star.” It finished with the loving tribute, “Fair WInds Captain.”

Fans at the time of his death, took it hard and left loving comments on Facebook for Larry and his family.

  • “Fair winds and calm seas captain.”
  • “RIP Uncle Larry!!!”
  • “My thoughts and prayers to the family. He was a very respectful Captain. Generous with a big heart.”
  • “Sending my heartfelt condolences. I really liked him. He struck me as genuine and cared deeply for his crew and family.”

A Reddit thread was also started, with tributes to Larry Hendricks flowing in from Deadliest Catch fans. The OP mentioned that Larry was often overshadowed by “louder captains” in the first season, but they also appreciated his calm explanations of the art of fishing.

Deadliest Catch fans on Reddit were just as generous in their memories of the former captain.

  • “I loved Larry. I loved him in the pilot show and always seemed like a nice and genuine person on the show. RIP to an underrated fixture of the show”
  • “Sorry to be reading this. loved captain larry and his crew on series one. Rip”
  • “Such an intelligent Capt. Very well spoken. What a great video”

Who Was Larry Hendricks From Deadliest Catch?

Captain Larry Hendricks was born in Seattle, Washington. He grew up in the Ballard area of Seattle and spent most of his life as a Bering Sea Commercial Fisherman.

Larry’s final season as the captain of the F/V Sea Star featured on the first season of The Deadliest Catch. According to his obituary, he moved to Las Vegas and then to Thailand following his retirement from the fishing industry. He also traveled a lot throughout the United States during his retirement, enjoying his last years.

Larry is survived by his two kids and two grandchildren. After his death, his family scattered his ashes at sea.

What are your memories of Captain Larry Hendricks from Deadliest Catch? Please share your favorite moments in the comments below.

Shawn Lealos
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2 Comments

  1. She was one of my wife’s favorite shows are small people she couldn’t wait to come back on season to season I hope in Jesus name she didn’t have to suffer an she went peacefully, we send our complete condolence to the rest of the family in Jesus name amen rest in peace Amy

  2. Captain Larry,
    You had the kindest heart. You did so much for the Commercial Fishing Industry. What an education you gave!
    May your holding tanks forever over be stuffed with the largest king crab ever measured!
    Fair Winds Captain!
    You are very much missed

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