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William Lawrence “Junior” Edwards Jr., the Louisiana commercial fisherman and alligator hunter known as the “King of the Swamp” on Swamp People, died peacefully at his home in Bayou Sorrel, Louisiana, on Saturday, July 26, 2025. He was 61.
According to the obituary published by Wilbert Funeral Home through Legacy.com, Edwards died after a courageous battle with colon cancer. The obituary is the strongest available source for his age, death date, location and cause of death.
Junior Edwards was a longtime Swamp People cast member
Edwards appeared on Swamp People during Seasons 1 through 6 and later returned for Season 12, according to TVLine’s report and the official HISTORY cast biography. His television story was closely connected to the Edwards family, whose appearances showed generations of Louisiana hunters and fishermen working together in the Atchafalaya Basin and surrounding swamp country.
He was frequently associated with his son, Willie Edwards, and the family’s traditional way of life. The Edwards family’s role on the program was not simply about alligator hunting: it also reflected commercial fishing, family labor and the practical knowledge required to make a living from Louisiana’s wetlands.
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HISTORY’s biography says Junior eventually stepped away from gator hunting to focus on hoop-net fishing. He worked with his wife, Theresa, to bring in large quantities of fish before returning to the swamp to help his son and grandson. His obituary described him as someone who enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and made his living by surviving off the land.
What was the cause of Junior Edwards’ death?
The Wilbert Funeral Home obituary says that Edwards died following a courageous battle against colon cancer. An earlier July 27, 2025, TVLine report said that family members had asked for prayers while Edwards was dealing with health issues, but his age and cause of death were not yet known at that point.
That timing explains why some of the first reports described the cause as unclear. The later funeral-home obituary supplied the more complete information. The available sources do not establish an exact diagnosis date or provide additional medical details, so those details should not be inferred.
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Family remembered the “King of the Swamp”
Edwards was survived by his wife of 44 years, Theresa Edwards; his son, William “Willie” Edwards III; his daughter, Letha Daley; grandchildren; siblings; and other extended family members. The obituary also noted that his son Randy Edwards had died previously.
His grandson, known as “Lil” Willie Edwards, announced the death in a Facebook post quoted by TVLine and wrote that his grandfather would be deeply missed. Ashley “Deadeye” Jones, another Swamp People cast member, also paid tribute to Edwards, describing him as one of the greatest alligator hunters and a hardcore outdoorsman.
Those tributes reflect Edwards’ reputation both on television and among people familiar with Louisiana’s outdoor culture. He was presented on the series as an experienced swamp hunter, but his life and work also extended to commercial fishing and teaching family members the skills associated with that way of life.
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Funeral arrangements were held in Louisiana
The obituary listed visitation at Wilbert Funeral Home in Plaquemine on July 30, 2025, with visitation resuming on July 31 ahead of a 2 p.m. religious service. Burial was scheduled to follow at Grace Memorial Park.
Because those services took place in July 2025, the arrangements are historical information rather than upcoming events. The obituary remains the appropriate source for relatives, service details and any official memorial information. Reader-submitted Legacy guestbook messages should not be treated as formal statements from the Edwards family.
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Fans looking to revisit Edwards’ appearances can begin with the official HISTORY Swamp People page, which offers access to a selection of episodes without requiring a sign-in and links to the show’s broader episode and cast information. The exact episodes available can change.
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Prime Video also lists Swamp People seasons, including Season 12, with availability that may involve purchasing episodes or seasons, a subscription, or another regional access arrangement. Catalogs, prices and availability vary by country and can change without notice, so viewers should confirm the terms shown for their location before starting a purchase or subscription.
For viewers who prefer physical media, Swamp People Season 1 DVD is a practical fan-collection or rewatch search term. Season DVDs were commercially released, although availability is inconsistent: for example, Best Buy’s listing for Swamp People: Season 7 [3 Discs] [DVD] indicates that the title is no longer available new. A DVD should be treated as a way to revisit the series, not as an official Junior Edwards memorial product.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Junior Edwards’ documented Swamp People legacy
Junior Edwards was part of the show’s early identity, appearing during its first six seasons before returning in Season 12. His story connected televised alligator hunting with the broader realities of life in the Louisiana swamp: fishing, family cooperation and work shaped by the seasons and the land.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsHe should not be described as appearing in every season or as a current cast member following his death. The sourced career record supports appearances in Seasons 1–6 and a return in Season 12. His obituary and the tributes from relatives and fellow cast members leave a picture of a family-centered outdoorsman whose influence extended beyond the program.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When did Junior Edwards die?
Junior Edwards died on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at his home in Bayou Sorrel, Louisiana.
How old was Junior Edwards?
He was 61. The available obituary confirms his age at death but does not establish an exact birth date.
What did Junior Edwards die of?
His obituary from Wilbert Funeral Home, published through Legacy.com, says he died after a courageous battle with colon cancer.
Which seasons of Swamp People featured Junior Edwards?
TVLine reported that Edwards appeared in Seasons 1 through 6 and later returned for Season 12. He was not a cast member in every season.
Who was Junior Edwards’ wife?
He was married to Theresa Edwards for 44 years. They worked together in commercial fishing, according to the HISTORY biography.
The Bottom Line
Junior Edwards, the veteran Swamp People fisherman and alligator hunter known as the “King of the Swamp,” died at 61 on July 26, 2025. His obituary identifies colon cancer as the cause of death. He leaves behind a family legacy rooted in Louisiana hunting, fishing and generations of life in the swamp.
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