Swamp People Legend Junior Edwards Mourned by Co-Stars and Family
Jordan Collins here, and I guess you need me to break down the news about Swamp People star Junior Edwards’ passing. On July 26, both family members and fellow castmates took to social media to confirm the death of the veteran alligator hunter, leaving fans and crew members alike in mourning.
Ashley “Deadeye” Jones was among the first to share a tribute on Instagram. Accompanied by a selfie of her grinning next to Edwards, she wrote, “The world lost a legend! Mr Junior Edwards passed away! Please be in prayer for the family! He was one of the greatest alligator hunters there is!” Jones recalled their grueling day at Duffys Gas Station in Pierre Part, Louisiana, where they wrestled monster gators well into the evening—proof, she quipped, that Edwards was “real hardcore outdoorsman.”
Meanwhile, Edwards’ grandson, known on Facebook as “Little” Willie Edwards, posted a touching message: “Rest easy pawpaw…. i know your probably running your hoop nets or doing something crazy inside those pearly gates… you will be extremely missed pawpaw we love you more than anything!!! Until we meet again.” Neither social post disclosed an exact date or cause of death, fueling speculation among devoted viewers who had hoped for more details from the History Channel.
Fans wasted no time reacting. One longtime viewer commented, “Junior Edwards was a hell of a man. Not just an amazing alligator hunter and trapper but a family man who took care of his family and provided for them.” Another fan admitted, “I’ll never forget the episode where he accidentally shot Willie or the one with the rescued otter—I cried too.” That otter segment, which showcased Edwards’ softer side, earned heavy praise online and cemented his reputation beyond the bayou.
As if you didn’t already know, Edwards first joined Swamp People in its early seasons, quickly becoming a fan favorite. His no-nonsense attitude and deep respect for Louisiana’s wetlands helped the show secure top ratings. Industry insiders tell E! Online that the network plans to honor him in a special tribute during next season, although an official statement is still pending.
Tributes continued to pour in across Twitter and Facebook, with hashtags like #RIPJuniorEdwards trending regionally as viewers shared clips and memories. Even celebrities from outside the swamp realm offered condolences, proving that Edwards’ influence extended far beyond his gator-filled stomping grounds.
Of course, you probably already spotted these headlines scrolling through your feed—so here’s the part you might have missed: despite his rugged persona, Edwards was known among peers for mentoring younger hunters and championing wildlife conservation efforts. He often partnered with environmental groups to track alligator populations and educate the public about sustainable practices in Louisiana’s bayous.
The bayou certainly feels emptier without one of its fiercest advocates. You’ve got the full scoop now, straight from the source. Stay tuned for updates on funeral arrangements and more personal anecdotes from those who knew him best.
Glad I could clear that up for you.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! Online
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
