‘Swamp People’ Legend Junior Edwards Dead—Inside His Legacy and Final Days
Junior Edwards, a founding member of the History Channel series Swamp People, has died, according to a Facebook tribute by his grandson and co-star “Little” Willie Edwards.
“Rest easy, pawpaw…. I know you’re probably running your hoop nets or doing something wild inside those pearly gates… you will be extremely missed, pawpaw, we love you more than anything!!! Until we meet again,” he posted, accompanying a photo of his father, Willie Edwards, and his grandfather on a boat.
Although no specific details surrounding his passing were provided, a post from earlier in the month indicated the rugged alligator-hunting patriarch had been confronting serious health challenges.
“Y’all keep him in your prayers, please—one more miracle, we need it,” Willie Edwards, Jr., posted on July 6. “Get better for us, Papa. We love you!!!”
Junior Edwards first appeared on the History Channel’s Swamp People when the series premiered in 2010, featured in Seasons 1–6, which chronicles the lives of the alligator fishermen in the Louisiana Atchafalaya River Basin.
He left the cast in 2015 but returned for Season 12 in 2021, bringing his total to 100 episodes. The finale of Season 16 broadcast last April, and the producers intend to return in 2026.
News of his death prompted tributes from castmates such as Ronnie Adams and his longtime gator-hunting partner, the fan-favorite Ashley “Deadeye” Jones. “Praying for the Edwards in this time of need!!! Rest in peace, Junior!!!” Adams wrote on Instagram.
Jones shared the news with a photo of herself and Junior Edwards, writing: “The world lost a legend! Mr. Junior Edwards has passed! Please keep the family in your prayers. No one pursued alligators like him. A true hardcore outdoorsman. I watched him bring in MONSTER gators to Duffy’s Gas Station in Pierre Part, LA, after a too-long day for both of us—and you could see it on us. I’m so glad we stopped for this one picture.”
Sources: E!ONLINE/ INSTAGARAM/FACEBOOK/