Junior Edwards, original star of History Channel’s Swamp People, has passed away, according to a Facebook post from his grandson and co-star, “Little” Willie Edwards. His cause of death, age, and exact date of passing have not been publicly shared, though he had been in poor health recently.
“Rest easy pawpaw… You’ll be extremely missed. We love you more than anything,” Willie wrote in tribute.
Junior was a well-known alligator hunter and reality TV figure from Louisiana, best known for his role on Swamp People since its 2010 debut. He appeared regularly through Season 6 and returned in Season 12, becoming a fan favorite for his no-nonsense style and deep swamp knowledge.
Outside TV, Junior and his wife Theresa worked as commercial fishermen in the Atchafalaya Basin, catching thousands of pounds of fish each year. He passed on his swamp skills to his son and grandson, continuing a family legacy.