The entertainment world was saddened this week by the news that a well-loved reality star had died.
As People reports, Junior Edwards, a well-known Louisiana alligator hunter and co-star of Swamp People on the History Channel, passed away, a development revealed by his grandson.
The news of Junior’s demise came in a Facebook post penned by his grandson, “Lil” Willie Edwards, on Saturday.
The younger Edwards wrote, “Rest easy, pawpaw. I know [you’re] probably running your hoop nets or doing something crazy inside those pearly gates.”
He continued his heartfelt message by adding, “You will be extremely missed pawpaw. We love you more than anything. Until we meet again.”
Specifics surrounding Junior’s death -- including his exact age -- remained unclear.
Willie Edwards did reveal, however, that his grandfather had suffered from declining health in recent months, noting on July 6, “Well guys, those of you that don’t know, my grandpa has been dealing with some health issues” and asking fans to “keep him in y’alls thoughts and prayers please…we need a miracle.”
Swamp People has been a staple on the History Channel for an impressive run of 15 seasons, with the program following the exploits of a Louisiana-based family comprised of the descendants of French Canadian refugees who have made alligator hunting their preferred method of making their living.
Junior was a regular cast member on the show between 2010 and 2015, returning to the program in 2021 for season 12.
Among those mourning his passing was Swamp People star Ashley Jones, who took to Instagram to declare, as Parade noted, “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 a real hardcore outdoorsman!”
Ronnie Adams, another Swamp People cast member, also weighed in, writing, “Praying for the Edwards in this time of need!!! Rest in peace Junior!!!”
A fan of the show also took time to comment on the news, writing, “My sincere condolences…Though I never met Mr. Junior Edwards, I almost felt like I knew him through his time on Swamp People. He was a good, hard-working man, and we all know he had a heart of gold after that episode with the otter! RIP.”
Though Junior Edwards had not appeared on Swamp People in recent years, it is clear that his impact on viewers remains.
One online commentator offered recollections of a humble but honorable man, writing, “Junior Edwards was a hell of a man. Not just an amazing alligator hunter and trapper but a family man who took care of his family and provided for them,” and in the end, that is a legacy to which everyone should aspire.
