Keith Colburn is a well-known American TV personality and commercial fisherman, best recognized for his role on the hit reality series Deadliest Catch. As the captain of the F/V Wizard, Colburn has faced the treacherous Bering Sea while showcasing the grit, danger, and discipline required in one of the world’s most hazardous professions.
For fans who have followed his career from the early seasons of Deadliest Catch, questions often arise about his current status: Is Keith Colburn still alive? What is he doing today? How is his health, and is he still on the water? This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-date look at his life and ongoing legacy.
Is Keith Colburn Still Alive?
Yes, Keith Colburn is still alive. As of the most recent information, he remains active in the commercial fishing community and continues to appear in episodes of Deadliest Catch. While he has faced health challenges in recent years, Colburn remains very much engaged in both his television work and life at sea.
Fans may have noticed fewer appearances in certain seasons, but these absences have typically been due to health precautions, recovery periods, or operational adjustments—not because of any major life-threatening incidents. His continued involvement with the show affirms his enduring presence and resilience.
Keith Colburn’s Current Health and Well-being
Keith Colburn has publicly spoken about his health struggles, particularly his battle with osteomyelitis, a serious bacterial infection of the bone. In 2018, he had to leave the fishing season early due to hospitalization and intensive treatment. The condition required ongoing care, including surgeries and antibiotic therapy.
Despite this serious challenge, Colburn returned to the show in subsequent seasons, demonstrating remarkable strength and determination. He continues to monitor his health closely but has expressed commitment to his work and fans.
He also emphasizes preventive care and encourages others in high-stress professions to pay close attention to their health, especially when symptoms appear subtle but persistent.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Keith Colburn was born on March 10, 1963, in Placerville, California. Before becoming a TV personality, Colburn worked in the hospitality industry as a chef. He attended culinary school and spent years perfecting his craft before making a radical career shift.
In 1985, Colburn moved to Alaska with a desire for change and a taste for adventure. He started working as a greenhorn crab fisherman and quickly rose through the ranks. His passion, work ethic, and leadership abilities earned him a respected position in the Bering Sea fleet.
By the 1990s, he had become the captain and owner of the F/V Wizard, a vessel that would later become famous on television.
Rise to Fame on Deadliest Catch
Keith Colburn became a household name after joining Deadliest Catch, the Discovery Channel’s award-winning documentary series that chronicles the lives of crab fishermen in the Bering Sea. The show debuted in 2005, and Colburn was introduced in its third season.
As the captain of the F/V Wizard, he quickly became known for his intense leadership style, deep knowledge of crab fishing, and no-nonsense approach. His episodes often highlighted the strategic and mental demands of running a successful operation in some of the harshest conditions on Earth.
Colburn’s appearances struck a chord with audiences due to his authenticity, emotion, and willingness to be vulnerable on camera.
Leadership Style and Life at Sea
Colburn is known for running a tight ship. His leadership style is firm, focused, and rooted in experience. While this has sometimes led to conflict with crew members, it also underscores the high-stakes nature of crab fishing. Safety, efficiency, and discipline are non-negotiable at sea.
He’s not afraid to show tough love, but he also invests time in mentoring young crew members. Colburn’s dynamic presence, strategic thinking, and calm under pressure have helped him navigate life-threatening situations during stormy seasons.
Over time, his persona on the show evolved to include moments of humor, reflection, and deep loyalty to his crew and vessel.
Family and Personal Life
While Keith Colburn is very public about his professional life, he tends to keep his personal life private. He has spoken in the past about being a father, and his children have occasionally been mentioned on the show or in interviews. However, he has largely kept his family out of the media spotlight.
Colburn is known to value privacy when it comes to his relationships and life off the boat. What remains consistent is his love for the sea and his enduring commitment to his profession, even as age and health demand a more cautious approach.
His family has been a source of support during health setbacks and career challenges, helping him stay grounded and motivated.
Business Ventures and Public Appearances
Beyond Deadliest Catch, Keith Colburn has taken part in various events and speaking engagements. His experience as a fisherman, business owner, and TV personality makes him a sought-after speaker for leadership seminars, trade shows, and industry panels.
He also launched a personal line of sauces and seafood products called “Captain Keith’s Catch,” showcasing his culinary roots and passion for food. The product line highlights his commitment to quality and offers fans a different kind of connection to his life outside the show.
Through these ventures, Colburn combines his love for fishing, cooking, and entrepreneurship.
Influence on the Fishing Industry
Colburn’s presence on Deadliest Catch helped bring widespread attention to the Alaskan crab fishing industry. The show elevated public understanding of the physical and emotional toll the job takes on crews.
His role emphasized the importance of leadership, safety protocols, and adaptability in dangerous working conditions. As a result, Colburn has earned respect not just from fans, but from others in the commercial fishing industry.
He frequently advocates for responsible fisheries management and supports initiatives that promote sustainability in crab harvesting. His influence extends from the wheelhouse to the boardroom, where industry practices are shaped.
Relationship with Fellow Captains
Over the years, Keith Colburn has built strong working relationships—and occasional rivalries—with other captains on Deadliest Catch. His interactions with Sig Hansen, Wild Bill Wichrowski, and others have become a staple of the show.
These relationships, while sometimes contentious, are built on shared respect for the sea and the challenges they all face. Colburn’s professionalism and straightforward communication have helped him maintain strong ties across the fleet.
His leadership during moments of crisis has also earned him recognition among peers, who often turn to him for advice or assistance in difficult seasons.
Legacy in Reality Television
As a reality TV figure, Keith Colburn stands out for his authenticity and depth. Unlike many personalities created for drama, Colburn’s appeal comes from his real-world expertise, genuine emotions, and consistent work ethic.
He has shown audiences that reality television can be educational and inspiring. His presence on Deadliest Catch helped highlight the courage and skill required to make a living from the sea.
Colburn’s lasting impact on reality TV is his demonstration that true leadership and vulnerability can coexist. He made viewers care not just about the catch, but about the people behind the wheel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keith Colburn still alive?
Yes, Keith Colburn is alive. He continues to appear on Deadliest Catch and remains active in the commercial fishing industry.
What illness did Keith Colburn face?
He was diagnosed with osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection, in 2018. He received treatment and has since returned to work with careful health management.
Is Keith Colburn still on Deadliest Catch?
Yes, although his appearances have varied in recent seasons, he remains an important part of the Deadliest Catch franchise.
What boat does Keith Colburn captain?
He is the captain of the F/V Wizard, one of the most recognizable vessels in the fleet featured on the show.
What does Keith Colburn do outside fishing?
He has launched food products under his brand “Captain Keith’s Catch,” participates in public speaking, and engages in advocacy for sustainable fishing.
Conclusion
Keith Colburn is still alive and continues to contribute meaningfully to both the television world and the commercial fishing industry. As a captain, entrepreneur, and TV personality, he has demonstrated leadership, courage, and perseverance under extreme pressure.
While health challenges have tested his limits, Colburn remains committed to his profession and fans. His legacy extends beyond Deadliest Catch, reminding viewers of the human stories behind high-risk jobs and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
Whether steering through Alaskan storms or navigating the ups and downs of life, Keith Colburn continues to represent authenticity, strength, and the enduring spirit of the sea.