Justin Tennison of 'Deadliest Catch' Dead at 33
138 CommentsBy Zach Dionne Posted Feb 23rd 2011 05:33PMm

'Deadliest Catch' star Justin Tennison was found dead in a Homer, Alaska hotel room on Tuesday, TMZ reports. The fisherman on the Time Bandit boat was 33 years old.

"Discovery Channel is saddened by the passing of Time Bandit crew member Justin Tennison," the 'Deadliest Catch' network wrote in a statement. "We send our sympathies to his entire family and fellow crew members during this most difficult time."

TMZ says a search of the hotel room, registered to Tennison, turned up "a small amount of marijuana, as well as several bottles of alcohol in the refrigerator. Cops tell us they believe there had been a party in the room the night before."

Justin Tennison's death comes just a year after 'Deadliest Catch' star Capt. Phil Harris's passing in February 2010 after a stroke.

Lt. Randy Rosencrans tells USA Today that Tennison died of unknown causes and the state medical examiner's office was set to conduct an autopsy Wednesday afternoon.

Time Bandit Capt. Andy Hillstrand wrote on Facebook:

Justin fished commercially for many years, living in Alaska for 28 years. He worked on the Time Bandit, alongside his second cousin, Eddie Uwekoolani, Jr., serving as Engineer during the tendering seasons, and joined the Time Bandit crew as a deckhand fishing the Red King 2010 and Opilio 2011 seasons.

Justin was tough as a bull and was an all-around good hand. The Captains and Crew appreciated his hard work and many contributions this past year. We will miss him terribly and wish his family all the best during this most difficult time.
EW notes that Tennison's boat has started a memorial on the Time Bandit's official website. There, friends, family and friends have begun sharing memories and condolences.