'Deadliest Catch' star Justin Tennison was 'tough as a bull'
Feb 24, 2011


By Ann Oldenburg, USA TODAY


Justin Tennison, crew member on 'Deadliest Catch' boat, Time Bandit, was found dead in a hotel room in Alaska on Wednesday.

More tragedy has struck Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch show. Family, friends and shipmates are mourning the death of Justin Tennison, 33, a crew member on the Time Bandit, who was found dead in a hotel room near Homer, Alaska.

His body was discovered Tuesday by the hotel cleaning staff, Homer Police Lt. Randy Rosencrans told Reuters. Rosencrans said beer, liquor and a small amount of marijuana were found in the room. But he added that the cause of death is unknown, and an autopsy is pending. Police believe a party was held at the room the previous night as guests had complained about the noise.

Time Bandit captain Andy Hillstrand remembered Tennison on Facebook last night, noting that Tennison had lived in Alaska for 28 years and worked on the Time Bandit as an engineer alongside his second cousin Eddie Uwekoolani, Jr. Hillstrand wrote:

"Justin was tough as a bull and was an all-around good hand. The Captains and Crew appreciated his hard work and many contributions this past year. We will miss him terribly and wish his family all the best during this most difficult time.

Justin is survived by a son, daughter, sister, father and grandparents."