Goodbye!!! The Legend “Deadliest Catch” Keith Colburn confirms leaving Deadliest Catch after second stroke
Deadliest Catch is a show that has truly surpassed expectations. With 20 years on Discovery Channel, the series has been an adrenaline-filled exploration of crabbing in the Bering Sea. While danger lurks around every corner, it’s the unexpected moments that continue to keep fans on the edge of their seats.As fans patiently await the official cast of Deadliest Catch‘s 21st season, it’s time to look back at the milestone 20th season. For Captain Keith Colburn, it was nothing short of a wild ride. Between a fire aboard Fishing Vessel Wizard and a medical emergency that caused a tizzy online, Captain Keith’s return status might be more up in the air than we think.
Captain Keith Colburn Had a Frightening Medical Emergency in Season 20 of ‘Deadliest Catch’
As Deadliest Catch has proven over the years, crabbing is not for the faint of heart. In the latter half of Season 20, Captain Keith experienced this firsthand. Miles from shore, the Wizard captain experienced a medical emergency that required immediate attention. During the cardiac experience, Captain Keith was alongside his brother, Captain Monte “Mouse” Colburn, and Keith expressed how he couldn’t feel his left arm. Originally believing it was a joke, his brother then raced to get help. It was eventually revealed that he lost consciousness multiple times at sea, including a fall that caused him to hit his head. Though some believed it might have been a heart attack, it was revealed to be a mini-stroke, more commonly known as a transient ischemic attack.
As much as Keith wanted to immediately return to work, the doctors and emergency room specialists said that it was not a possibility. Since the incident on the show, Captain Keith has maintained a low profile on social media, causing some fans to question whether his medical emergency will prevent him from returning for Season 21. On Christmas Eve, Captain Keith shared well-wishes to fans, writing, “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!” Recently, he shared a Memorial Day post on Facebook, writing, “Remembering those who gave all.”
Captain Keith Is Likely to Return for Season 21 of ‘Deadliest Catch’
For Captain Keith, his mini-stroke was the icing on the cake of a difficult season. At the beginning of the season, the Wizard experienced a terrifying fire. Known as one of the safest captains in the entire Deadliest Catch fleet, Keith’s track record of having no major injuries has become part of his claim to fame.That being said, in the premiere episode, Captain Keith alerted his crew to smoke in the bow. The origin of the fire occurred below deck, but the most terrifying part was when Captain Keith discovered that one of his crew was missing during the headcount. Deckhand Tyler Gateman was discovered screaming for help behind the wall of fire. Captain Keith’s crew safely rescued the deckhand, who was gasping for air. The event left Captain Keith rattled as he realized the harsh reality of almost losing his best friend’s son under his watch.
According to his bio, Captain Keith Colburn began his journey in Alaska as a true greenhorn. With no experience, a tent, and fifty dollars, Captain Keith set out to experience the romanticized vision of working at sea and earning the rumored big paydays. At the end of the day, it was officially proven true when the Wizard was purchased in 2005. His motto: “I’m a gambler, big time! But my heart never left the deck. I’m safe and cautious, but I don’t follow the pack. There’s a fine line between being a gambler and a professional.” A captain eager to go with his gut and trust his instinct, if danger persists, Captain Keith continues to gamble like a seasoned pro while keeping safety first. It just remains to be seen if he’ll continue to do so in Season 21 of Deadliest Catch.
