MNN - Mother Nature Network

For the second time in a little more than a year, the Discovery Channel series "Deadliest Catch" is mourning the loss of a cast member.

 

Justin Tennison was found dead Tuesday afternoon in a Best Western hotel room in Alaska. The 33-year-old was one of the newest members of the "Deadliest Catch" cast and served as a deckhand on the ship Time Bandit.

 

On Feb. 9, 2010, the hit reality series was rocked after Captain Phil Harris of the Cornelia Marie died at the age of 53 from complications of a stroke he had suffered earlier in January.

 

Police say Tennison's room contained alcohol and a small amount of marijuana, but nothing else. An autopsy is scheduled for today.

 

"It is with great sadness that the Time Bandit family announces the death of crew member Justin Tennison," Time Bandit Captain Andy Hillstrand wrote on his Facebook fan page. "He worked on the Time Bandit, alongside his second cousin, Eddie Uwekoolani, Jr., serving as engineer during the tendering seasons, and joined the Time Bandit crew as a deckhand fishing the Red King 2010 and Opilio 2011 seasons."

 

"Justin was tough as a bull and was an all-around good hand," he adds. "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."

 

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

 

The seventh season of "Deadliest Catch," in which Tennison will make his posthumous debut, premieres in April.