What happened to Captain Keith Colburn from Deadliest Catch? Shocking Health Battles
What happened to Captain Keith Colburn from Deadliest Catch? Shocking Health Battles
What Happened to Captain Keith Colburn? Health Scares and the Uncertain Future of a Deadliest Catch Icon
As Deadliest Catch celebrates the announcement of its 21st season, many long-time fans are asking the same question: Will Captain Keith Colburn return to the wheelhouse of the FV Wizard? The veteran crabber, who has been a fixture on the show since Season 3, is facing some serious health concerns that may impact his future at sea.
A Medical Emergency at Sea
Season 20, which aired in 2024, took an unexpected and emotional turn when viewers witnessed one of the most vulnerable moments in Captain Keith’s career. After a heated argument with his brother and co-captain, Monty Colburn, Keith suddenly collapsed on board the Wizard. When he regained consciousness, he was unable to feel his arm, and the entire left side of his body was numb — symptoms that immediately raised fears of a heart attack or stroke.
Monty quickly took control of the situation, diverting the vessel toward land so Keith could receive urgent medical care. Keith was airlifted to a hospital where he was tested for cardiac damage. Fortunately, his tests came back negative for troponin — a protein released during a heart attack. However, doctors soon confirmed that Keith had suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often referred to as a “mini-stroke.”
Though TIAs typically don’t cause permanent damage, they are serious warning signs of potential future strokes and require lifestyle changes and careful medical monitoring.
Not His First Health Battle
This wasn’t the first time Captain Keith faced a serious health scare. In 2021, he was hospitalized after contracting COVID-19. The virus developed into pneumonia and kept him in the hospital for more than a week. At the time, Keith admitted that the illness took a heavy toll on his body and made him reflect on the physical demands of his career.
Now, with the added risk of stroke following his TIA, fans and fellow fishermen alike are wondering what’s next for the veteran captain.
A Private Life Away from the Camera
Off the water, Keith Colburn keeps a relatively low profile. He’s been married to his wife, Florence, for nearly 40 years. Together, they’ve raised two children — Kalin, a college graduate, and Sienna, who is now in her mid-20s.
Despite the public nature of Deadliest Catch, Keith has kept his family life mostly private. Since the TIA episode aired in October 2024, he has remained relatively quiet on social media. His most recent Instagram post came in December 2024, when he shared a holiday message with fans. In May 2025, he briefly posted a Memorial Day message on Facebook but offered no update on his health or plans for Season 21.
Will Keith Colburn Return for Season 21?
As of now, Discovery Channel has not confirmed whether Keith Colburn will return for the new season of Deadliest Catch. His absence from public updates has fueled speculation, but fans remain hopeful. After nearly two decades on the show, Captain Keith has earned a reputation for resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his crew.
While it’s possible that his days on the Bering Sea may be coming to a close, many believe that Keith’s legacy — whether at sea or on land — is far from over. If he does step away from crabbing, he leaves behind a remarkable chapter in the Deadliest Catch saga and a fanbase that will continue to cheer him on in whatever path he chooses.
