Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch" Loses Another Crew Member to Untimely Death
Justin Tennison of the F/V Time Bandit Dies at 34
Tennison, a longtime friend of the Hillstrand family who had been away from fishing for seven years following an arm injury, had returned for the 2010 season. Just 33 years of age when he died in his sleep in his Homer, Alaska hotel room; he leaves behind a 15-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son. Autopsy results are awaiting, but drugs and alcohol were found in his room. He died just eight days after the Opilio season ended on February 21st.
This is the second person Deadliest Catch lost in the last two seasons. After the loss of beloved Captain Phil Harris, the massive viewing audience was numb. Now, another crewman is gone at a much too early age. The stress of this profession is seen every week on the program, and now, another fisherman is lost, reinforcing the reason why this is labeled as one of the most deadly jobs on earth.
Rest in peace with so many of your fellow fishermen, Justin. A trust fund has been established for his two children and contributions can be sent to:
Justin Tennison Memorial Account
C/O Wells Fargo Bank
88 Sterling Highway
Homer, AK 99603
Sources: http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/deadliest-catch/
http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/deadliestcatch/crews/justin-tennison.html
Published by Diane Zoller-Ciatto - Featured Television Contributor
Most recognize me as JerseyNana, I love being a freelance writer and poet. Avid lover of family and friends of all ages. Enjoy being a baby boomer, a conservative thinker and unapologetically American. View profile
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33 Comments
Post a CommentIt irritates me how the media reporting on the sudden death of this young man immediately focused on the fact 'a small amt of drugs & alcohol were found in his hotel room'. How much? They don't say but leave the door open to an OD or wild party etc. Having a lifer cop in the family I know that phrase is cop-speak for anything from a few joints and shot of JB to some leftover bits of mj cigarettes & a couple of empty beer cans from the party the night before.
The coroner's report took far too long to be released - literally months with no reason given for the delay. Six weeks at the most should've been plenty for any competent ME. At any rate, according to the autopsy report Justin died of a medical condition called 'sleep apnea'. Apnea is where the natural autonomic breathing system of the body fails to trigger breathing based on C02 levels in the blood and the 'backup' system kicks in. It senses 02 levels have dropped to dangerous levels & tells the body to take a breath.[The medical term for this is C02 narcosis.] The problem is it takes a LONG time for this system to kick in and work. Many apneics stop breathing in their sleep for from 15 seconds up to a full minute! Even 90 seconds - or more - is not unheard of. But when it gets that bad, if untreated, apnea is fatal.
This disease affects millions of Americans - most of whom have NO idea they have it unless a spouse notes their partner isn't breathing, snores at long intervals or the person's hospitalized for something else and it's discovered by accident. It is often found in overweight persons, but this is NOT always true...normal-sized healthy people who work out and are physically fit can have apnea just as easily as the morbidly obese.
Apneics can have a host of symptoms - daytime fatigue, suddenly falling asleep during the day for anywhere from seconds to hours (even while driving) spells of garbled speech where they think they're making sense but they're not, poor decision making & slowed mental functions are just a few of the signs.
Sleep apnea is EXTREMELY dangerous. Many unexplained deaths - especially in one's sleep - are caused by the 02 levels dropping so low the heart can't function & you die - which is probably what happened to Justin. The only blessing is he never knew he was dying when it happened. Those who have apnea will suddenly fall 'asleep' (though this isn't true sleep since there is no REM component) and quietly pass away. The fact the 02 levels are so low - often below 85% (safe levels are 93% & up) means their nerves aren't conducting, their brain is 'out' & they don't feel pain.
The only 'cure' for apnea is wearing a sealed mask hooked to a special machine that senses when the breathing rate drops below 10 breaths/min and kicks in, breathing for the person by forcing air into the lungs under pressure.. It's called a CPAP or BiPap machine. Some people need oxygen added to the machine, but never above 3 l/min or it makes the apnea worse.
These devices can only be gotten after one has gone through a full workup including a sleep study while hooked to an EEG machine & oximeter that measures the 02 level of the blood.continuously (you wear it on your finger). If these show apnea, the techs will try out a number of style masks & devices to see which one will work best. The problem is one needs health insurance or a helluva lot of cash to order these studies - and a doctor who will order the tests.
I hope this helps those who thought Justin died from an OD or other nefarious mode of death. He was a victim of a disease, and his family (especially the children), I sincerely hope are comforted knowing he didn't die from drugs or alcohol. One day maybe the media will wait to get their stories straight before they go to press. They no longer care about truth - just ratings. Until then it's up to all readers to NOT believe 90% of what's reported or let the media circus force you to jump to the wrong conclusion.
For those wondering, yes, I AM a professional healthcare provider of 30 yrs with a string of degrees, certifications and honors. My screen name is deliberately not spelled correctly to prevent my getting google'd and harassed by 'help me' emails & calls (which happened the ONE time I used my real name)
I didn't know about this. I'm a fan of the series, though.
How sad! I didn't know this.
How sad!
A young life of much promise cut short, sad indeed. May his soul rest in peace! siva
Sad news!
Sharing some PV love on Easter.
How tragic. Thank you for this sad information.
Superb reporting on this. Well done!
Sad news, but great coverage.