Why Did Scott Campbell Jr. Leave Deadliest Catch?

His Departure, Recovery, and Life After the Show

A Familiar Face from the Bering Sea

From 2011 to 2014, Deadliest Catch fans got to know Captain Scott Campbell Jr., who led the F/V Seabrooke through dangerous Bering Sea waters. His leadership, quick wit, and determination quickly made him one of the show’s most beloved captains.

After briefly returning in Seasons 16 (2020) and 17 (2021) aboard the F/V Lady Alaska, Campbell once again stepped away from the show. With Deadliest Catch now deep into its 21st season, many fans have been asking — what really happened to Captain Scott, and where is he now?

Why Scott Campbell Jr. Left Deadliest Catch

Scott Campbell Jr. left Deadliest Catch due to a serious back injury sustained during filming in 2013. The pain grew so severe that he had to undergo spinal surgery later that year at Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Washington.

His doctor explained that it was a “minimally invasive spinal surgery” designed to relieve pressure on nerves in his lower back. Without the operation, Campbell risked permanent nerve damage and lifelong mobility issues. The procedure — and the toll it took on him — was partially shown on the Discovery Channel series.

While the surgery was successful, it marked the end of Campbell’s regular appearances on Deadliest Catch as he shifted focus toward recovery and business ventures onshore.

Life After the Show: From Fishing to Business

After leaving the show, Campbell turned his energy and creativity toward entrepreneurship. In 2014, he founded Cordova Coolers, inspired by a failed boat cooler that couldn’t keep his drinks cold. What started as a challenge from friends quickly grew into a successful outdoor brand.

He ran the company until 2018 before moving on to a new project. In 2022, Campbell launched Beaver Creek Firewood, a company focused on producing eco-friendly firewood products.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Campbell’s background now includes business development, marketing strategy, and leadership. Despite leaving full-time television, he still maintains strong ties to the fishing world — in December 2024, he posted:

“Headed to Alaska with my co-captain on Christmas Day. We have to get the Lady Alaska ready to go catch some crab!”

Personal Life and Family

Scott Campbell Jr. was previously married to his high school sweetheart, Lisa Campbell. The couple has two daughters — Stormee (born in 1995) and Trinidy (born in 2000). Stormee has a daughter named Rainee, born in 2016, while Trinidy married her husband Kaden in 2022.

According to public records, Scott filed for divorce from Lisa in December 2022, marking another chapter in what has been described as an on-and-off relationship over the years.

More recently, Scott appears to be in a new relationship — he began sharing photos with a woman named Corey in May 2025.

A Captain’s Spirit Lives On

Though he’s no longer a regular on Deadliest Catch, Scott Campbell Jr. continues to embody the adventurous and hard-working spirit that made him a fan favorite. From battling the waves to building businesses, his story proves that resilience doesn’t stop when the cameras do.

As fans continue to revisit old episodes and watch new captains rise, Campbell’s legacy remains one of perseverance, reinvention, and grit — both on and off the Bering Sea.