Fans of Deadliest Catch were shocked this week after reports confirmed that Edgar Hansen, former cast member of the long-running Discovery Channel series, was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) following a recent traffic stop.
According to available information, authorities suspected impairment during the stop and proceeded with an investigation that resulted in Edgar’s arrest on DUI charges. He reportedly cooperated with law enforcement and was later released pending further legal proceedings. At this time, neither Edgar Hansen nor Discovery Channel has issued an official statement regarding the incident.
The arrest has sparked renewed attention on Edgar Hansen’s complicated history with Deadliest Catch — particularly his sudden disappearance from the show after Season 14 in 2018.
Edgar Hansen’s Role on Deadliest Catch
For many seasons, Sig Hansen has remained a staple and one of the most recognizable faces on Deadliest Catch. Alongside him, viewers also got to know his younger brother Edgar Hansen, who worked aboard the F/V Northwestern. Edgar was often portrayed as a skilled deck boss and a steady presence on the ship, earning respect from both fans and fellow crew members.
However, Edgar abruptly vanished from the series after Season 14, and his absence was never directly explained on air.
Why Did Edgar Hansen Leave the Show?
Edgar Hansen’s exit followed a serious legal case. In July 2018, he pleaded guilty to fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation involving a 16-year-old girl, stemming from a September 2017 incident, according to The Hollywood Reporter and The Seattle Times.
In a handwritten statement submitted to the court, Edgar admitted to the assault, writing:
“I committed this assault for the purpose of my own sexual gratification. I am very sorry for that conduct, and I have commenced treatment to ensure that nothing like this assault ever happens again.”
The victim, identified as “Jane Doe,” first disclosed the assault to her therapist in October 2017 and later repeated the allegations during a police interview.
Did Edgar Hansen Go to Jail?
As part of a plea deal, Edgar Hansen did not serve jail time. Instead, he received:
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A 364-day suspended sentence
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$1,653 in court fines and fees
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A sexual-deviancy evaluation and mandatory treatment
Following the case, Edgar no longer appeared on Deadliest Catch when Season 15 premiered in April 2019. His final episode aired at the end of Season 14, which had already been filmed prior to his sentencing.
Where Is Edgar Hansen Now?
While Discovery Channel has never publicly commented on Edgar’s legal issues, fans have claimed to spot him in the background aboard the F/V Northwestern in later seasons, suggesting he may still work behind the scenes with his brother and the crew — though he has not returned as an on-screen cast member.
Now, with the DUI arrest making headlines, many fans are once again discussing Edgar Hansen’s past, his disappearance from the show, and what the future may hold.
🚨 This remains a developing story. Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
