Junior Edwards, alligator hunter and “Swamp People” star, dies
"He was one of the greatest alligator hunters there is," wrote his costar Ashley "Deadeye" Jones.
"Rest easy, Pawpaw," Willie began. "I know your [sic] 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…"
No cause of death or additional details about Edwards' death were disclosed, but in an earlier post Willie alluded to his grandfather's declining health.
"Well guys, those of you that don't know... my grandpa has been dealing with some health issues," he wrote earlier this month. "Y'all keep him in y'all's thoughts and prayers, please… We need a miracle. Get better for us, Papa. We love you!!!"
Representatives for the History Channel did not immediately respond to Entertainment Weekly's request for comment.
"The world lost a legend," she wrote. "Mr. Junior Edwards passed away! Please be in prayer for the family! He was one of the greatest alligator hunters there is! He was real hard-core outdoorsman! I watched this man bring in MONSTER gators at Duffys Gas Station in Pierre Part, LA. This was after a looooong day for both of us and you can tell it! Glad we took a second for a pic!"
Another fellow Swamp People cast member also paid tribute. "Praying for the Edwards in this time of need," wrote Ronnie Adams on Instagram. "Rest in peace, Junior!"
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Spanning 15 seasons to date, Swamp People follows the proud descendants of French Canadian refugees who settled in the swamp region of Louisiana in the 18th century. The series documents their struggles as they preserve their way of life during the most important part of their year: alligator-hunting season.
Junior appeared regularly on Swamp People from 2010 until 2015, alongside his son and grandson. An original cast member and mainstay on the show, he surprised fans by exiting it after six seasons — then shocked them again by returning for season 12 in 2021.
