Junior Edwards, a beloved star of the reality series *Swamp People*, has passed away, prompting heartfelt tributes from castmates and family. The announcement of his death came on July 26, 2025, although the cause and his exact age have not been disclosed. Edwards’ health had reportedly been deteriorating, as indicated by his grandson, ‘Lil’ Willie Edwards,’ earlier this month on social media.
In a touching tribute on Facebook, Willie expressed his sorrow, saying, “Rest easy pawpaw… I know you’re 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.”
Ashley ‘Deadeye’ Jones, a former co-star, also shared her condolences on Instagram, stating, “The world lost a legend.” She recounted her experiences with Junior, highlighting his skills as an alligator hunter. “Mr. Junior Edwards passed away,” she confirmed. “Please be in prayer for the family! He was one of the greatest alligator hunters there is! I watched this man bring in MONSTER gators at Duffy’s Gas Station in Pierre Part, LA. This was after a long day for both of us, and you could tell it!”
Fans of *Swamp People* have also taken to social media to express their grief and hope that the show will honor Junior’s legacy. One fan wrote, “I hope the show honors the legendary Mr. Edwards, forever loved & missed. RIP.” Another added, “That’s very, very sad… sending prayers.” A third fan remarked, “Going to miss him on the show. Prayers to his family and grieving friends.”
Ronnie Adams, another cast member, urged his followers to keep the Edwards family in their thoughts during this difficult time, stating, “Praying for the Edwards in this time of need!!! Rest in peace, Junior.”
Earlier in July, ‘Lil’ Willie had reached out to fans for support, revealing that his grandfather had been struggling with health issues. “Well guys, those of you that don’t know… my grandpa has been dealing with some health issues,” he wrote. “Y’all keep him in your thoughts and prayers, please… we need a miracle. Get better for us, papa, we love you!!!”
Junior Edwards was an original cast member of *Swamp People*, which premiered on the History Channel in August 2010. He became a fan favorite, known for his adventurous spirit and expertise in alligator hunting. He participated in six seasons of the show and made a surprising return for its twelfth season in 2021. The series documents the challenging and often dangerous work of hunters tracking American alligators in the swamps of the Atchafalaya Basin in southern Louisiana.
The show has been successful since its inception, leading to several spin-offs, including *Outback Hunters*, set in Australia, and *Swamp Mysteries*, hosted by fellow cast member Troy Landry. A Florida-based companion series titled *Swamp People: Serpent Invasion* follows efforts to eliminate Burmese pythons from the Everglades.
As fans and colleagues remember Junior Edwards, his legacy as a skilled alligator hunter and a cherished member of the *Swamp People* family will undoubtedly live on.