Swamp People Cast: Remembering Those We’ve Lost and Debunking Rumors

“Swamp People”, airing on History Channel since 2010, immerses viewers in the lives of alligator hunters battling the bayous of Louisiana. Across its long run, the show experienced both triumph and tragedy when cast members passed away or became victims of death-related rumors.

🕯️ Mitchell Guist (Seasons 2–3)

Who he was: Mitchell James Guist (b. May 18, 1964) was a beloved fisherman and alligator hunter featured on Seasons 2 and 3 alongside his brother Glenn. Born and raised in Gonzales, Louisiana, Mitchell embodied the swamp lifestyle.

How he died: On May 14, 2012, Mitchell was working on a houseboat along the Belle River near Pierre Part when he reportedly experienced a seizure, fell against the boat, and collapsed. He was taken to Teche Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The Ascension Parish coroner ruled his death “natural causes,” likely a heart attack.

Aftermath & tribute: A “Voodoo Bayou” episode, airing on May 17, 2012, was dedicated in his memory. Producers and fans mourned a “treasured friend” who passed while doing what he loved.

🕯️ Randy Edwards (Seasons 1, 3–6)

Who he was: Randy Edwards, born in 1983, appeared with his family—father Junior, mother Theresa, and brother Willie—on Seasons 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6. He built a strong fan base after debuting in Season 1 (2010).

How he died: In the early hours of September 15, 2018, at about 3 a.m., Randy lost control of his Chevrolet Silverado on LA‑75 near Iberville Parish, Louisiana. The vehicle struck a utility pole, and he was pronounced dead on the scene at age 35. Reports indicated he was ejected and not wearing a seat belt; toxicology reports were conducted but never publicized.

Legacy: Family and show staff expressed deep sorrow. His cousin Ronnie confirmed his death on Facebook. Fans ended their seasons hoping for Randy’s return, but the tragedy struck before he could rejoin.

🐕 “Tyler” – Bruce Mitchell’s Dog (Seasons 1–5)

Who he was: Tyler, a loyal hound hunting companion to Bruce Mitchell, gained a cult following during Seasons 1–5. He repeatedly appeared alongside Bruce on swamp expeditions.

How he died: On April 28, 2014, Tyler passed away at age 13 from congestive heart failure, a condition he lived with for several years. Bruce Mitchell, his owner, laid him to rest on the family property.

Fans’ reaction: The loss of the “Swamp Dog” deeply affected Bruce and viewers alike—many shared condolences and fond memories of Tyler’s gentle presence.

💥 Tommy Chauvin – Near‑Death, Not Death

Tommy Chauvin, nephew of Joe LaFont, was a long-time cast member (Seasons 1–3, 6, 8–9). He faced a serious accident on July 11, 2019: a multi‑car collision caused a blast that damaged his hand (requiring partial amputation), ears, and eyes. Though critically injured, he survived, and GoFundMe efforts supported his recovery.

Another 2012 car pile-up also nearly killed him, but he and Joe LaFont escaped with minor injuries. Tommy is alive and well, with fans continuing to follow his healing journey post‑injuries.

🕵️‍♂️ Debunking Death Rumors

Over the years, several cast members were wrongly rumored deceased. Fans and media have repeatedly debunked these:

• Willie Edwards: Randy’s older brother. Reports of his passing due to mistaken identity surfaced, but he remains alive and well as of 2023.

• Daniel Edgar: A hunter from later Seasons (joined in Season 7). Rumors claimed he died in 2018, but confusion stemmed from his wife Juanita’s passing on March 17, 2018. Daniel continues hunting with his sons.

• Bruce Mitchell: Some fans conflated Bruce with occurrences around Tyler’s death, creating false narratives of his demise. Bruce is very much alive.

• Jeromy Pruitt: Spread-foot rumors claimed Jeromy died or was fired; none proved true. It was actually his stepbrother, Daniel LaDart, who died in a car accident in 2015.

• Troy Landry’s family: Confusion from reporting on another Louisiana man named Brandon Landry, not Troy’s son. Troy and family remain alive.

📜 Cast Timeline: Deaths vs Rumors

Conclusion

The Swamp People series reflects more than alligator hunts—it’s a documentary of real lives shaped by courage, nature, and occasionally, tragedy. The confirmed losses of Mitchell Guist and Randy Edwards, as well as beloved swamp dog Tyler, marked somber moments in the show’s history. Meanwhile, rumors around other hunters—Willie, Daniel, Bruce, Jeromy, and Troy—were eventually dispelled, reaffirming the resilience of the show’s community.
Fans continue to honor, cherish, and celebrate these swamp personalities—some physically gone, others proven very much alive.

TL;DR

• Mitchell Guist died May 14, 2012 (natural causes).

• Randy Edwards died in a car crash, Sep 15, 2018.

• Tyler, Bruce Mitchell’s dog, died April 28, 2014.

• Tommy Chauvin survived serious injuries in 2019.

• Rumored deaths of various cast members were false—they are all still living.