‘Deadliest Catch’ Star Phil Harris Dies

“Deadliest Catch” star Phil Harris, the skipper of the Cornelia Marie on the hit Discovery series, has died Access Hollywood has learned.

The reality star died due to complications following a stroke on January 29.

“It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our dad,” Harris’ sons, Jake and Josh, said in a statement released to Access. “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. We will remember and celebrate that strength. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers.”

Discovery also issued a statement on Harris’ passing.

“Discovery mourns the loss of dear friend and colleague Captain Phil Harris,” the network said in a statement on Tuesday.

“He was more than someone on our television screen. 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,” the statement continued. “We share our tremendous sadness over this loss with the millions of viewers who followed Phil’s every move. We send our thoughts and prayers to Phil’s sons Josh and Jake and the Cornelia Marie crew.”

Harris was unloading his latest haul from the sea when he suffered the stroke last month. He was 53.