'Deadliest Catch' Captain Phil Harris Dies
Phil Harris, the fishing boat captain from television's wildly popular reality series 'The Deadliest Catch' has died.
The deep-sea fisherman, 53, suffered a stroke on Jan. 29 while in an Alaskan port off-loading a catch. He was flown to Anchorage for surgery and showed signs of recovery through the days following, but ultimately succumbed to the trauma.
"It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our dad - Captain Phil Harris,"
his sons Jake and Josh Harris said in a statement posted on the Discovery Channel Web site. "Dad has always been a fighter and continued to be until the end. For us and the crew, he was someone who never backed down."
The reality show, which has filmed five seasons, has been one of the Discovery Channel's most popular. Harris was a central figure for this drama featuring the ageless tale of man taking on the elements. It depicts the crab fishing industry in the dangerous waters off Alaska.
In a statement, Discovery Channel senior vice president Elizabeth Hillman says, "Phil was a devoted father and loyal friend to all who knew him."
"We will miss his straightforward honesty, wicked sense of humor and enormous heart," she said.
Harris had been showing signs of recovery from the stroke. His sons wrote in a Feb. 3 posting on the ship's Web site: "No one ever said Captain Phil Harris wasn't tough. Today, dad showed some good signs of improvement, squeezing our hands and even summoning his trademark Captain's bluntness ... We are encouraged, but still very cautious."
Harris began working on a fishing boat at age 7, and by the time he was 21, he was running a fishing vessel out of Seattle.
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That is the saddest news. I loved Capt. Phil. He was tough on the outside but had a heart of gold. He sure loved his sons and he will be missed. XOXO
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He will definately be missed! My family has watched his show since the beggining and he and his family were always enjoyable to watch together! I am so sorry for his family and especially his sons.May he RIP with the angels.Deepest Sympathy!
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Good night Captain...
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I am so sorry for their loss I really enjoyed watching deadliest catch he was a true american dad- One who worked hard and fought hard to do right for family Although I didnot know him he was awesome and refreshing to watch the show will NEVER be the same now - Capt Phil- you will be missed dearly
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When a light goes out, our world seems a little darker. To make up for that, we all just have to burn a little brighter ourselves. And we can do that... by remembering those whose lights once illuminated the world, and by carrying on their brightness. Our prayers are with Jake and Josh and the families and friends of Captain Phil Harris.
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Rest in peace Captain, You will be missed !
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I've always loved watching Deadliest Catch, even repeats, over and over. I did not expect to be shedding tears, feeling such sadness upon hearing the news this morning. Condolances to Mrs. Harris, Josh and Jake. Take care of your Mom, Boys...and take care of that other lady Phil and all of you love...the Cornelia Marie.
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Capt Phil. My family and I enjoyed you sense of humor. You will be missed. Our condolences to you family and friends.
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R.I.P capt phil you were the best. see you in heaven. josh and jake you have my prayers and my sympathy.
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I was really hoping he could pull through, I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Deadliest catch just wont be the same without him.
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Indeed a good man, they don't make them like that very often, RIP Phil.
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I am so sorry. My condolences to his family. A sad day for all.
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So sorry to hear of such a great loss, Captain Phil was my personal favorite and I know he will be terribly missed by his family and friends. My heart is with you.
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Am very glad this show was on so we all got a chance to meet, get to know and love you. You will be greatly missed. We all pray for the well being of your family.
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Our deepest sympathy on the loss of a great man !!!! He will be truly missed and hopefully his sons will continue his legacy. God bless each of you. A shining star is now in heaven !
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Phil you were the reason why I watched the show, you will be sadly missed in my eyes, my heart goes out to your family, may god bless you and them
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omg iloved capt.phil,he was my favorite,a fine man everyone respected,i cried when i read the news and still have wet eyes,what a loss if life,i will love and miss you,,jennie from kansas city,mo
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My condolences to the Harris family.Capt.Phil was a mans-man.
Remember what you have gained,not what you and all of us
have lost. Smooth seas
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Goodbye and Godspeed to a real man. Despite your celebrity you remained true to your passion and were, after all, the man you started out to be.
Genuine, honest, devoted, steadfast; more than many a man our pop-culture sound bite world holds in higher regard.
Take the helm boys.
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This is such sad news... Our whole family watches this show and we have enjoyed his adventures for a long time. We will miss you deeply, watch over your boys...
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