Blake Painter, who appeared on the Discovery series “Deadliest Catch” in 2006 and 2007, was found dead in his Astoria, Oregon, home on Friday. He was 38.
The former skipper of the F/V Maverick was discovered by a friend who became worried after not seeing him for several days, Clatsop County Sheriff Tom Bergin told USA Today. When he went to visit Painter’s home, he saw his body lying prone on the kitchen floor and called the Sheriff’s Office.
A cause of death has not been released pending toxicology reports but it is believed that he had been dead for several days.
Drugs, including prescription narcotics, were found in the house but they may not be related to Painter’s death, Bergin said. He also told USA Today that Painter was familiar to local law enforcement, having “visited our facility a few times.”
In January, Painter was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants, unlawful possession of heroin, tampering with physical evidence and reckless driving, the Daily Astorian reported at the time.
Painter, who was an experienced crab fisherman and native of Astoria, first appeared on Season 2 of “Deadliest Catch” but left the show during Season 3.
Discovery had no comment on Painter’s passing when contacted by TheWrap.