Tony Lara of 'Deadliest Catch' Dead at Age 50

Discovery Channel's hit show, Deadliest Catch has lost one of it's key cast members. MStars News has learned that ship captain, Tony Lara died at the age of 50.

According to Fox News, Lara died in Sturgis, South Dakota, over the weekend while visiting the city during a famous motorcycle rally. Meade County Sheriff Ron Merwin revealed that an autopsy is being performed to determine the cause of the 50-year-old's death.

Sheriff Merwin also added that Lara passed away on Saturday morning at a private residence in Sturgis.

The Discovery Channel show confirmed Lara's death with a statement via Facebook

"Yesterday we lost a member of the Catch Family. May you RIP Captain Tony Lara." the statement read. "We know that you are up in heaven watching over the Cornelia Marie and rest of the Bering Sea fleet."

According to People, a rep from the Discovery Channel network added another statement from the network: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this very sad time."

Josh Harris, an employee on the Cornelia Marie worked with Lara and called the veteran crab catcher, a "true friend."

"Tony was to all of us with the Cornelia Marie a true friend," Harris remembered about Lara. "Tony was always there for the Harris Family. He offered his support and his advice. He taught and he educated. At the end of the day, Tony made all of us just a little bit better."

Lara was a part of six episodes of Deadliest Catch. He was the captain of the crab-fishing ship Cornelia Marie. The ship's former captain, Phil Harris died back in 2010 from a stroke.

Here's a clip of Lara working hard as captain, with new team member, Josh in a past episode. Deadliest Catch continues on Tuesdays 9/8c.