Former Deadliest Catch deckhand Gregory Colburn, a member of the well-known Colburn fishing family, passed away on May 19, 2026, at the age of 32. Gregory was the son of Monte Colburn and the nephew of longtime Deadliest Catch captain Keith Colburn, making him part of one of the show’s most recognized families.
His passing deeply affected relatives, friends, and the commercial fishing community. On July 17, 2026, the Discovery Channel honored Gregory with a heartfelt tribute at the end of an episode of Deadliest Catch, celebrating his years aboard the F/V Wizard and his passion for life on the Bering Sea.
A Familiar Face on Deadliest Catch
Gregory Colburn joined the crew of the F/V Wizard as a deckhand and appeared on Deadliest Catch between 2018 and 2022.
Working alongside experienced fishermen, including members of his own family, Gregory embraced one of the world’s most demanding occupations. Commercial crab fishing in Alaska’s Bering Sea is known for its harsh weather, long working hours, and physically challenging conditions.
During his time on the series, Gregory became known as a hardworking crew member who took pride in continuing his family’s fishing tradition.
Part of the Colburn Legacy
The Colburn family has played an important role in Deadliest Catch for many years.
Gregory’s father, Monte Colburn, has worked aboard the Wizard, while his uncle, Captain Keith Colburn, has been one of the show’s central figures since the early seasons.
Growing up around commercial fishing, Gregory eventually chose to follow the same career path, becoming a valued member of the Wizard’s crew.
His connection to the family business made his appearances especially meaningful for longtime viewers of the Discovery Channel series.
Discovery Channel’s Tribute
The July 17, 2026, episode of Deadliest Catch concluded with a special tribute dedicated to Gregory Colburn.
The segment featured a video montage highlighting moments from his time aboard the Wizard and included a message recognizing his years as a crew member from 2018 to 2022.
The tribute reflected the strong bond shared by the fishing crews and acknowledged Gregory’s contribution to both the vessel and the television series.
Life Before the Bering Sea
According to his published memorial, Gregory was raised in Kings Beach, California.
Before beginning his commercial fishing career, he worked in restaurants around the North Lake Tahoe area.
Eventually, he discovered his passion for crab fishing in Alaska’s Bering Sea, a career that became one of the defining parts of his life.
His obituary noted that he was proud of his work aboard the Wizard and appreciated being part of Deadliest Catch.
A Passion Beyond Fishing
Fishing was only one of Gregory’s interests.
Friends and family remembered him as someone who especially enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle whenever he was home between fishing seasons.
After returning from Alaska, he lived in Chico, California, where he spent time with loved ones and enjoyed life away from the demanding schedule of commercial fishing.
His love for adventure and the outdoors remained a central part of who he was.
Family Meant Everything
Gregory is survived by his fiancée, Caitlin Nenadal, and their young daughter, Scarlette.
He is also survived by his parents, Monte and Catherine Colburn, along with his siblings, grandfather, extended family, and close friends.
Those who knew Gregory described him as someone deeply devoted to the people closest to him.
His obituary remembered him as having “a heart of gold” and praised his loyalty, kindness, and generous spirit.
Questions About the Circumstances
Following Gregory’s passing, media reports indicated that the incident occurred after a motorcycle accident. However, official public announcements have not disclosed a confirmed cause, and Discovery Channel’s tribute did not provide additional details.
As a result, publicly verified information remains limited, and many reports have focused instead on celebrating Gregory’s life and contributions to the fishing community.
Remembered by Fans
The Discovery Channel tribute prompted an outpouring of messages from viewers and longtime fans of Deadliest Catch.
Many remembered Gregory’s dedication aboard the Wizard and expressed support for the Colburn family during a difficult time.
Commercial fishing has always carried significant risks, and the series has documented not only the challenges of the profession but also the close relationships formed among crews working together in Alaska’s demanding environment.
Gregory’s tribute served as another reminder of those strong family and community bonds.
A Lasting Legacy
Although Gregory appeared on Deadliest Catch for only a few seasons, his connection to one of the show’s most recognizable families ensured that his contributions would be remembered by viewers.
His commitment to commercial fishing, pride in working aboard the Wizard, and close relationship with his family left a lasting impression on those who worked alongside him.
The tribute aired by Discovery Channel celebrated not only his time on television but also the life he built around family, fishing, and the Bering Sea.
Gregory Colburn was a former Deadliest Catch deckhand, the son of Monte Colburn, and the nephew of Captain Keith Colburn. He worked aboard the F/V Wizard from 2018 to 2022, becoming part of one of the series’ most recognized fishing families.
After his passing on May 19, 2026, at the age of 32, Discovery Channel honored him with a moving tribute during the July 17, 2026, episode of Deadliest Catch. Gregory is remembered by his fiancée Caitlin Nenadal, daughter Scarlette, parents, siblings, and many friends and colleagues who knew him both on and off the water. His legacy continues through the memories shared by his loved ones and the lasting impact he made during his time aboard the Wizard.
