Swamp People Star Junior Edwards Dies as Family and Friends Share Tributes
Junior Edwards, one of the original stars of Swamp People, has passed away, and his family and fellow cast members are sharing heartfelt messages to honor his memory. His death was confirmed by several loved ones on Saturday, July 26, according to People magazine. His cause of death and exact age haven’t been made public.
Junior’s grandson, ‘Lil’ Willie Edwards, had already told fans earlier in July that his grandfather was very sick. On Facebook, after Junior passed, Willie posted a touching tribute. “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, another former cast member of the show, also remembered Junior on Instagram. She called him a legend and a real outdoorsman. “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 Duffy’s Gas Station in Pierre Part LA. This was after a looooong day for both of us and you can tell it!”
Fans quickly started posting their own messages. One viewer wrote, “I hope the show honors the legendary Mr Edwards forever loved & missed rip,” while another added, “That’s very very sad ….. sending prayers.” Someone else said, “Going to miss him on the show. Prayers to his family and grieving friends.”
Ronnie Adams, who also appears on Swamp People, posted on Instagram asking fans to support the Edwards family. “Praying for the Edwards in this time of need!!! Rest in peace Junior,” he wrote.
Back on July 6, ‘Lil’ Willie had first shared with fans that Junior was having serious health issues. He posted on social media, “Well guys, those of you that don’t know … my grandpa has been dealing with some health issues. Y’all keep him in y’all’s thoughts and prayers please… we need a miracle. Get better for us papa, we love you!!!”
Junior Edwards became known to many through the History Channel series Swamp People, which follows alligator hunters as they work in the Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana. He was one of the original cast members and appeared on the show for six seasons. He later made a surprise return for season 12 in 2021.
His death marks the loss of not just a TV personality, but a man who lived and breathed the swamp life. He’s being remembered as a tough and skilled gator hunter, and someone who truly loved the outdoors.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!
