Reality TV has lost a legend.
Junior Edwards, a very favorite face of History Channel’s Swamp People, is no more. His passing was announced by family and costars in a series of tearful social media posts on July 26. Although no official date or cause of death has been reported, his loss is already being felt by fans nationwide.
Ashley “Deadeye” Jones, a colleague alligator hunter of Junior’s on the show, went to Instagram with a loving tribute. Sharing a selfie of Junior, she commented, “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! ” She added, “He was a real hardcore outdoorsman! I saw this guy haul in MONSTER gators at Duffy’s Gas Station in Pierre Part, LA. This was after a looooong day for us both and you can tell it!
Happy we took a sec for a pic!
“His grandson, Willie Edwards, his fans fondly referred to him as “Little Willie”, posted his own heartfelt eulogy on Facebook. “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.” Junior Edwards was fan favorite and more, he was the heart of Swamp People for decades. With his toughness, ability, and tell-it-like-it-is demeanor, he became the embodiment of the bayou lifestyle that Swamp People so beautifully portrays. His relationship with son Willie, their alligator hunts, and their unguarded, frequently laugh-out-loud encounters shaped some of the show’s most iconic moments. fans have swamped social media with tributes of their own, reminiscing about the episodes that characterized Junior’s tenure on the show.
One long-time viewer remembered, “Junior Edwards was a hell of a man.”.
Not only a great alligator hunter and trapper, but a family man who provided for his family and cared for them.” They continued, “I will never forget the show where he accidentally shot Willie or where they released the otter they rehabilitated back to the wild, yes, I cried too.”
One of the fans posted, “Even though I never personally knew Mr. Junior Edwards, I felt as though I did know him through Swamp People. He was a kind, hardworking man and we all know that he had a heart of gold after what happened with the otter. Rest in Peace.”
Junior’s genuineness was a hard-won thing in the reality world of television. He wasn’t pretending to be someone he wasn’t, he just lived his reality in the bayous of Louisiana, gator hunting and teaching the younger generation how to survive and survive off the earth. He did it all with a smile and a determination that left audiences encouraged.
With his death, the community of Swamp People has lost a giant. Junior Edwards not only leaves behind TV moments that won’t be forgotten, but a legacy based on tradition, family, and fierce devotion to the great outdoors. Rest in peace, legend.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
