Former Deadliest Catch crew member Gregory Colburn is being remembered by fans, friends, and the commercial fishing community following his passing in 2026. Best known for working aboard the F/V Wizard from 2018 to 2022, Gregory was part of one of the show’s most recognizable fishing families.
His connection to Captain Keith Colburn and longtime crew member Monte Colburn made him a familiar face to viewers of the Discovery Channel series. In July 2026, the network honored his contributions with a special on-screen tribute that celebrated both his work on the Bering Sea and the impact he had on those around him.
Who Was Gregory Colburn?
Gregory Colburn was a commercial fisherman who appeared as a deckhand on Deadliest Catch while serving aboard the F/V Wizard.
Although he wasn’t one of the show’s longest-running cast members, Gregory became known for his dedication, strong work ethic, and commitment to continuing his family’s commercial fishing tradition.
He worked on the Wizard during multiple crab fishing seasons between 2018 and 2022, gaining valuable experience in one of the world’s most demanding industries.
A Fishing Family
Gregory came from a family with deep roots in the Bering Sea fishing fleet.
His father, Monte Colburn, has been a longtime member of the Wizard crew and is well known to Deadliest Catch viewers.
His uncle is Captain Keith Colburn, the veteran captain of the Wizard and one of the most recognizable personalities in the history of the Discovery Channel series.
Growing up around commercial fishing naturally influenced Gregory’s career path, and he eventually joined the same vessel where members of his family had spent years working.
Time on the F/V Wizard
Gregory served as a deckhand aboard the F/V Wizard from 2018 through 2022.
Working in Alaska’s Bering Sea requires exceptional physical endurance, teamwork, and the ability to operate safely in unpredictable weather conditions.
During his time on the vessel, Gregory participated in demanding crab fishing seasons while learning from experienced crew members, including his father and uncle.
His appearances on Deadliest Catch reflected the realities of commercial fishing, where long hours and difficult conditions are part of everyday life.
Discovery Channel’s Tribute
The Discovery Channel paid tribute to Gregory during the July 17, 2026, episode of Deadliest Catch.
The episode itself featured dramatic rescue efforts involving deckhand Lynn Guitard, who was pulled from dangerous 15-foot seas during a challenging fishing operation.
After the episode concluded, viewers were shown a touching montage featuring Gregory’s time aboard the Wizard.
The tribute ended with an on-screen message that read:
“This episode is dedicated to Monte’s son Gregory Colburn, Wizard crewman 2018–2022.”
The simple but meaningful dedication highlighted Gregory’s contributions to both the vessel and the Deadliest Catch family.
Life Before Fishing
Before beginning his career in commercial fishing, Gregory lived in Kings Beach, California.
According to his published memorial, he spent several years working in restaurants throughout the Lake Tahoe region.
Although he enjoyed the hospitality industry, Gregory eventually discovered that his true passion was commercial crab fishing in Alaska.
Working aboard the Wizard allowed him to combine his adventurous spirit with his family’s long-standing connection to the fishing industry.
Passion for Adventure
Outside of fishing, Gregory enjoyed spending time outdoors and pursuing activities that reflected his adventurous personality.
His published memorial noted his enthusiasm for riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, an activity he enjoyed whenever he returned home between fishing seasons.
Friends and family remembered him as someone who embraced adventure while remaining deeply devoted to those closest to him.
Fishing and motorcycling became two of the defining passions of his life.
His Passing
Gregory Colburn passed away on May 19, 2026, at the age of 32 in Chico, California.
Media reports stated that his passing followed a motorcycle accident, a development that saddened the commercial fishing community and longtime viewers of Deadliest Catch.
News of his passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from friends, fellow fishermen, and fans who remembered his time aboard the Wizard.
The Discovery Channel tribute further honored his memory by recognizing the years he spent working alongside his family.
Family He Leaves Behind
Gregory is survived by his fiancée, Caitlin Nenadal, and their young daughter, Scarlette.
He also leaves behind:
- His parents, Monte and Catherine Colburn
- His grandfather
- Five siblings
- Extended family members and close friends
Those closest to Gregory have remembered him as a caring father, devoted family member, and loyal friend whose presence left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Lasting Legacy
Although Gregory’s television appearances covered only a portion of his life, his impact extended well beyond the screen.
His work aboard the Wizard represented a continuation of the Colburn family’s long-standing commitment to commercial fishing in the Bering Sea.
The tribute aired by Discovery Channel served not only as a recognition of his time on Deadliest Catch but also as a celebration of his dedication, determination, and love for the profession.
For many viewers, Gregory will always be remembered as a hardworking deckhand who proudly carried on his family’s fishing tradition.
Gregory Colburn’s journey on Deadliest Catch reflected both his passion for commercial fishing and his close connection to one of the show’s most respected families. As the son of Monte Colburn and nephew of Captain Keith Colburn, he proudly worked aboard the F/V Wizard from 2018 to 2022, contributing to one of television’s best-known fishing crews.
Following his passing in May 2026, the Discovery Channel honored Gregory with a heartfelt tribute that reminded viewers of his dedication to life at sea. Remembered by his fiancée Caitlin Nenadal, daughter Scarlette, parents, siblings, and many friends, Gregory’s legacy continues through the memories he created both on the Bering Sea and with the family he cherished most.
