'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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I've been watching this show from the very beginning and I've seen Jake and Josh pull some crazy stunts on their dad like a big screen TV purchase for the Cornelia Marie, daddy wasn't too happy, but he got over it. Captain Phil's humor was there behind the stern voice and face. Business was business to Captain Phil and his sons knew it. But he also knew when to play. It's a very sad day in the Crabbing Industry. We know you'll still be on the boat with your sons.....even in spirit. Captain Phil's legacy will live on. To Jake, Josh, and the rest of Captain Phil's family, and the Deadlest Catch families, my heart goes out to all of you. Today, a great one has been lost...........but will never be forgotten. RIP Captain Phil
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I am so sad... I also just lost my dad (1/5/10) and the wound is so fresh....
So, so sorry for your loss. My heart and thoughts are with all of you.
With the utmost sympathy,
Lilia
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Condolences to the Harris family. Your father will be missed.
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A very sad day. Another good person, with a good heart taken. God Bless Capt Phil. Rest easy on your journey Captain. Fair Winds and Following Seas.
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fair winds and following seas phil
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Our prayers go out to your family. The Capt. is one my favorites on the show . Jake and Josh and the rest of the crew ,May you have fair winds and following sea's .
Capttrk1
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good bye phil you were myfavorite will miss you
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R.I.P. Cap'n...The seas will mourn the loss of a Great Captian and Good Man...May Neptune always sail with the crew of Cornelia Marie..God Bless.
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Very very sorry to hear about Cap. Phil Harris. My sympathy to the boys... I know you'll keep his greatness in your hearts forever. RIP Phil.
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May God give you peace and keep you in his loving hands! We have watched the show from the beginning,Phil was our favorite. We know the show is but a very small part of your lives. We thank you for sharing your fathers life with us.
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Phil was always my favorite on the show!! I loved his sense of humor and hard work. He was also a great father and raised his kids very well, that's obvious. He was an excellent human being, and a superior fisherman and he will be missed!!! Condolences to his sons everyone who loved him. God Bless!!
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my condolences to the harris family phil will be missed loved the the show wont be the same without him RIP Captain Phil may your crab pots always be full and your tanks always stuffed
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He was always very sickly, I had no idea he was so young, I thought he was at least in his late 50's to early 60's. A sad loss for his family, fans and the show. I adored watching him.
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I am so sorry to hear this news. Phil Harris was a unique man, with a heart as big as the Bering Sea. I hope Josh and Jake can continue in their father's tradition. My deepest sympathy to all who loved him. A loyal fan.
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I am very sad today. My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Harris family, crew, and all the fans that loved him. I never met Captain Phil Harris, but I feel I lost a friend. Josh & Jake carry on your fathers legacy. RIP Captain Phil you will be truly missed.
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he should of retired a long time ago.thats what he gets for greed
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its not greed its life for a waterman and his crew!maybe if thier where more men like him and a lot less like you the world would be a better place!!!
Moron!!! it was not greed. This was his livelihood. He cared about his crew and mostly his family.
What an unkind and insensitive thing to say! Phil Harris didn't work because he was greedy! He worked because he had to, and because he loved the sea. What on earth would possess you to say such a thing? Do you work? I do! Does that make me greedy, because I want to work and pay my bills? What an idiotic and stupid thing to post! Go away!!!!!
Jbarr your a frigging idiot without a clue about life!