“Deadliest Catch” star Nick Mavar dies at 59

Nick Mavar, a deckhand on Deadliest catch for 16 years, has died. He was 59.

The fisherman, who appeared in 98 episodes of the popular show and was considered Captain Sig Hansen’s “right-hand man,” died on Thursday, June 13, the Bristol Bay Borough Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE.

Mavar’s body was discovered at a boatyard in Naknek, Alaska, and he reportedly died of natural causes. diversityThe Bristol Bay Borough Police Department told TMZ that an investigation is ongoing and interviews are being conducted.

PEOPLE has reached out to representatives from Discovery Channel for comment.

Mavar worked on the F/V Northwestern and left Deadliest catch in 2021 after he had another medical emergency related to his appendix. The incident was caught on camera and showed Mavar’s condition deteriorating.

“I’m in pain, I’m in pain,” he told the cameras in a clip from the July 2021 episode, pointing to his abdomen.

Captain Sig Hansen later referred to Mavar as his “right-hand man” when the crew considered flying him to the hospital by helicopter – a decision they later made.

Mavar did not return to the show after this incident because he had a malignant tumor in his appendix. According to Alaska Public Media, he eventually sued the boat’s owners for failing to provide adequate medical care.

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Mavar is not the only one Deadliest catch deceased crew member. In 2020, deck chief Nick McGlashan died at the age of 33. He appeared in 78 episodes starting in 2013.

In May 2018 Deadliest catch Captain Blake Painter was found dead in his home in Astoria, Oregon. He was 38.

Other stars who have sadly passed away include Phil Harris, captain and partner of the Cornelia Marie Phil Harris; Justin Tennison, a deckhand on Deadliest catch‘S time bandit; And Tony Lara, a former Deadliest catch Captain.