Reality television star Junior Edwards has died, his family has confirmed.
The alligator hunter, who appeared on the History Channel’s Swamp People, passed away at home in Louisiana following a battle with colon cancer. His son Willie Edwards announced the news on Facebook, revealing that his father’s health had declined in recent months.
Junior’s grandson, “Lil” Willie Edwards, paid tribute online, writing: “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.”
Earlier in July, he had asked fans to “keep him in your prayers”, adding: “We need a miracle. Get better for us papa, we love you!!!”
Ashley “Deadeye” Jones, a former Swamp People co‑star, paid tribute via Instagram: “The world lost a legend! 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 hardcore 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!”
Fellow cast member, Ronnie Adams, also posted condolences: “Praying for the Edwards in this time of need!!! Rest in peace Junior!!!” The Swamp People Instagram page also paid tribute, calling him a “true legend of the bayou”.
Junior Edwards was an original cast member of Swamp People from its debut in 2010 through Season 6 in 2015. He returned briefly for Season 12 in 2021, delighting fans when he announced, “Surprise… look who’s back”. Appearing in over 100 episodes, he became a fan favourite thanks to his rugged outdoorsmanship and swamp‑born expertise in alligator hunting.
The History Channel’s long‑running reality series follows the lives of Louisiana families, many descended from French Canadian refugees, who hunt alligators for a living during the crucial gator‑hunting season.
Fans and the Swamp People community also took to social media to share their devastation at Junior’s passing, remembering him not only as a skilled hunter, but also a devoted family man. One fan wrote: “Junior Edwards was a hell of a man… Not just an amazing alligator hunter… but a family man who took care of his family…”.
His son Willie thanked supporters in his statement, saying: “We thank you sincerely and apologise for not being able to express our gratitude to each of you personally.”
The show is available to stream on Hulu.