Deadliest Catch Fans

poontater

 

(CNN) -- Capt. Phil Harris of the Discovery Channel show "The Deadliest Catch" died Tuesday of complications from a stroke suffered late last month. He was 53.

Harris, the tattooed and gruff captain of the Cornelia Marie, was a fan favorite in the reality show about crab fishing off Alaska.

"Discovery mourns the loss of dear friend and colleague Captain Phil Harris. He was more than someone on our television screen. Phil was a devoted father and loyal friend to all who knew him," a statement from the network said. "We will miss his straightforward honesty, wicked sense of humor and enormous heart."

Harris suffered a massive stroke on January 29 while his crew offloaded crab at St. Paul Island, Alaska.

"It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our dad -- Captain Phil Harris," said a statement from his sons, Jake and Josh Harris. "Dad has always been a fighter and continued to be until the end."

megatann

Oh no!  Capt. Phil was my favorite!

SkyLizard

I used to watch it. How sad

squeshia22

How sad!  I LOVED how straightforward and gruff he was with everyone.  Thats terrible.

H&W05

Oh no, really? DH read that he had a stroke, but I didn't know he died.

Lawren

I just heard. Our Office Manager was talking about it. So sad.

withoutshoes

I saw that this morning. He was one of my favorite Captains on the show.  The Deadliest Catch won't be the same without him, very sad! 

laudanum1

So sad. He was my favorite crab boat captain

derky17

Very sad!  I loved Phil too.  I'm sure he'll be missed!!

laceysmom82

I've been upset about since hearing he had a stroke.  He is incredible for going out there and crabbing especially after last year's near miss.  He will definitely be missed, he was a great guy.

Timscutie01

Wow that sucks! I had heard he was recovering well.  I'm going to miss him!!!

murph04

I read about that this morning.  Very sad.   He was one of my favorites on the show. I feel bad for his family and his crew. I wonder if Murray will captain the boat for awhile?  Or maybe one of his sons will step up? Either way, the coming season won't be the same without him.