“He was one of the greatest alligator hunters there is,” wrote his co-star Ashley “Deadeye” Jones.
Junior Edwards, an alligator hunter featured in the History Channel docuseries Swamp People, died.
His grandson, “Lil” Willie Edwards, announced the news in a Facebook post Saturday.
“Rest easy, Pawpaw,” Willie said. “I know you’re probably running hoop nets or doing something crazy inside those pearly gates.” You will be greatly missed, Pawpaw. We love you more than anything!!! “Until we meet again.”
Edwards’ cause of death and other specifics were not divulged, but Willie referred to his grandfather’s poor health in an earlier post.
“Well guys, those of you that don’t know… my grandpa has been dealing with some health issues,” he wrote earlier this month. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. We need a miracle. Be better for us, Papa. “We love you!!!”
Representatives from the History Channel did not immediately respond to Entertainment Weekly’s request for comment.
Ashley “Deadeye” Jones, another Swamp People cast member, lamented Edwards’ loss on Instagram, posting a photo of the two together.
“The world has lost a legend,” she wrote. “Mr. Junior Edwards has passed away! Please pray for the family. He was one of the best alligator hunters there was! He was an avid outdoorsman! I saw this man bring in MONSTER gators at Duffy’s Gas Station in Pierre Part, Louisiana. This came after a long day for both of us, and you could tell! I’m glad we took a second to snap a picture!”
Another Swamp People cast member paid tribute. “Praying for the Edwards in this time of need,” Ronnie Adams posted on Instagram. “Rest in peace, Junior!”
marsh People, which has aired 15 seasons so far, follows the proud descendants of French Canadian immigrants who landed in Louisiana’s marsh region in the 18th century. The series follows their battles to preserve their way of life during the most critical time of the year: alligator hunting season.
Junior, along with his son and grandson, participated on Swamp People on a regular basis between 2010 and 2015. An founding cast member and mainstay of the show, he startled fans by leaving after six seasons, only to return for season 12 in 2021.
