History Channel’s Swamp People follows the lives of many people who spend their lives living and hunting on the bayous of Louisiana. The TV series is back this year with many retuning faces and some newcomers. The show features some families who have spent generations alligator hunting including The Edwards, and The Landrys.
While some Swamp People fans were growing concerned over Willie Edwards’ health this January, more are applauding the alligator hunter for teaching his son everything he knows. Three generations of Edwards family members have appeared on the History Channel show over the years. They still continue to maintain their traditions despite suffering the tragic loss of Randy Edwards some years ago.
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What happened to Randy Edwards?
When Swamp People first arrived on History in 2010, Willie Edwards, his parents, Junior and Theresa, and his brother, Randy Edwards were all cast members.
The family hunted alligators together in Bayou Sorrel, Louisiana for many years, much like the Landrys.
Sadly, Randy Edwards lost his life in 2018. He appeared on season 1 and seasons 3 to 6 before his untimely passing.
Randy was 35 years old at the time of his death after being involved in a car accident.
A Facebook post from the Junior and Willie Edwards page read at the time:
“Ronnie Here. It is in deep sadness that I make this post. Junior and Theresa’s son, Willie’s brother, Randy passed away in a vehicle accident early this morning. Randy was 35. Please keep the Edwards family in your prayers and also please respect their privacy at this time.”
KATC News reported at the time, Randy: “…died after crashing his car into a utility pole around 3 a.m. on LA 75 south of LA 66.”
Ronnie HereIt is in deep sadness that I make this post. Junior and Theresa's son, Willie's brother, Randy passed away…
Posted by Junior and Willie Edwards on Saturday, September 15, 2018
Swamping for generations
Despite losing a family member, the Edwards family still carry on their way of life hunting on the bayou.
History Channel fans are praising Willie these days for teaching his son, Junior, to hunt.
One fan wrote on Instagram: “I love Willie and I respect him a lot more because his teaching Jr how to be a gator hunter, Swamp People is one of my top favorite shows.”
More admire how hunting has been passed down the generations as Junior taught Willie to hunt, just as Willie is teaching Little Willie nowadays.
Ashley and Anna, Troy and Pickle, Zak and Joey make for great hunting duos on the show, now Willie and his son are following suit.
Willie is the best gator hunter on the bayou. #SwampPeople
— RA Dale (@goflight001) January 6, 2024
Little Willie’s captain dreams
When Swamp People season 14 came out, Little Willie had dreams of captaining his own boat one day.
While Junior Edwards stepped away from the show in season 12, his son and grandson are taking the helm in a major way.
Taking to X (Twitter), one fan wrote of Little Willie: “Now when did our nephew lil Willie grow up like this.”
He and his father have battled all kinds of challenges on the series including life-threatening storms and catching bull gators.
More fans said they can see a resemblance between Little Willie and his late uncle: “Well Dang.. Willie III gotta child that looks Like Randy, RIP We will always have u in Memory”
WATCH SWAMP PEOPLE THURSDAYS AT 8/7C ON THE HISTORY CHANNEL
