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Custody Filing Reveals Alcohol Concerns Before Fisherman's Death

South Jersey NewsBeat
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Custody Filing Reveals Alcohol Concerns Before Fisherman's Death

Court documents have revealed that Todd Meadows' former partner raised concerns about his alcohol use and sought restrictions on his contact with their children several months before the Deadliest Catch star's death in February.

In May 2025, Kennady Harvey filed a petition over the custody and support of their two children, according to documents obtained by TMZ. Harvey requested that the court award her primary custody of their 1-year-old and 5-month-old children and establish child support arrangements.

The petition specifically asked for limits on Meadows' visits with the children due to alleged substance abuse issues with alcohol. Harvey requested that Meadows not drink or use marijuana around the children and that all his visits be supervised. The case saw no movement after Harvey filed the initial petition.

Meadows, 25, died on February 25 after falling overboard while working on the Aleutian Lady on the Bering Sea during production of Deadliest Catch. The official cause of death was ruled as "drowning with probable hypothermia," along with "submersion of body in cold water."

According to court documents, Meadows left behind three children. In addition to the two children he shared with Harvey, he had another child with his ex Hattie Sullivan.

The custody filing provides insight into personal challenges Meadows faced in the year preceding his death while working in one of the nation's most dangerous professions. The documents do not indicate whether the custody matter was resolved before the fatal accident occurred.

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