“Deadliest Catch” star Captain Phil Harris has passed away today, according to a spokesperson for the Discovery Channel.

The skipper was said to have suffered a stroke two weeks ago and was more recently placed in a medically induced coma, in order to reduce the swelling in his brain. He was said to be showing some signs of improvement.

He passed away today in the hospital. Details are scarce at this point.

The Discovery Channel issued the following statement:

“Discovery mourns the loss of dear friend and colleague Captain Phil Harris. He was more than someone on our television screen. Phil was a devoted father and loyal friend to all who knew him. We will miss his straightforward honesty, wicked sense of humor and enormous heart. We share our tremendous sadness over this loss with the millions of viewers who followed Phil’s every move. We send our thoughts and prayers to Phil’s sons Josh and Jake and the Cornelia Marie crew.”

And from his sons, Jake and Josh Harris:

“It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our dad — Captain Phil Harris. Dad has always been a fighter and continued to be until the end. For us and the crew, he was someone who never backed down. We will remember and celebrate that strength. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers.”

RIP Captain Phil. It’s a sad day.

source: [discovery channel]