‘Deadliest Catch’: How Did Nick McGlashan Die?
Deadliest Catch star Nick McGlashan died in 2020 and since then many wondered how he died and what led to his loss of life at such a young age – 33. Even though Nick was sober for many years, he relapsed.
Deadliest Catch fans first met Nick in 2013 and he was a seventh-generation fisherman from Akutan, Alaska. While the news of his death startled fans, there were many events that led up to his death. Here’s what you need to know about the tragedy.
Nick McGlashan Struggled With Substance Abuse on Deadliest Catch
Nick McGlashan was an addict. His substance abuse issues included alcohol, methamphetamine, and heroin – allegedly. Nick passed away last year of a drug overdose on December 28, 2020, in a hotel room in Nashville, Tenessee. According to reports, the toxic concoction that led to his death included cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.
Many Deadliest Catch fans know that Nick McGlashan overdosed three times before seeking treatment. At his lowest point, he admits he stopped functioning as an adult and lost his love of fishing. Nick states his “mind, body, and spirit were so diseased.” Because of this, he welcomed death.
For a long time, Nick McGlashan successfully kept his addiction a secret from his captains and colleagues. While Nick appeared sick on Deadliest Catch, no one guessed it was due to substance abuse. He was vague about his hospitalization, going so far as to remove the IV and leave the medical facility. Unfortunately, the crew discovered his addiction to heroin, alcohol, and meth on the Discovery channel show.
Fired from Discovery Show and in Rehab
During Season 13 of Deadliest Catch, the crew kicked Nick McGlashan off the show. At this point, his addiction made it onto the small screen. While he was off the show, Nick recovered. He thanked his rehab program for treating his drug and alcohol addiction.
Nick returned to the show in 2017, completely sober. At this point, Nick McGlashan returned to Deadliest Catch as the deck boss for Captain “Wild Bill” Wichrowski’s new ship at the time, Summer Bay.
Deadliest Catch fans will remember Wild Bill said “if somebody works for me…I’m gonna work for them.” While Bill was driving to the ship, Nick said “I’ve accepted that I cannot have one drink. I’m an alcoholic, I’m a drug addict. And I can’t live life that way.”
Nick McGlashan battled his ongoing addiction and embraced his sober lifestyle for many years. In a field where drug and alcohol abuse is common, he inspired other crew members to stay sober, too. He would stay on Deadliest Catch until his death in late 2020.
Remembering Nick McGlashan on Deadliest Catch
Fans loved Nick McGlashan for his knowledge of crab fishing and his sense of humor. His captain respected him and so did his crew members. He was an excellent deck boss and an integral part of the crew.
Unfortunately, drug and alcohol addiction runs ramped in the fishing industry. Various other cast members struggle with some addictions. Captains and other crew members confronted them and even fired them off Deadliest Catch.
When is Deadliest Catch coming back on in 2021? Be sure to tune into the Discovery Channel to see Season 17 debut on Friday, March 19. Don’t miss a moment of the epic new season.
Always come back here for the latest Deadliest Catch updates and spoilers!