Captain Mark Howard, who starred on season one of the popular reality show Below Deck Mediterranean, has died at the age of 65.  

As reported by TMZ, Howard died “suddenly” at his home in Florida earlier this week while his wife Susan interstate for a dog show.

According to a police report obtained by TMZ, Susan came home to discover Howard dead and covered in boxes that appeared to have fallen from a shelf.

It is not yet clear whether he suffered any trauma, and an exact cause of death is yet to be determined.

Howard appeared on 13 episodes of the show’s first season in 2016 and was a respected senior member of the yacht crew. He had been a yacht captain for almost 30 years prior to appearing on reality TV, and also held a pilot’s license.

Howard’s Below Deck co-star Tiffany Copeland paid tribute to him on Twitter, writing: “RIP Captain Mark Howard you were a joy to be around.”

“Rest In Peace my friend. You were a great captain, friend and colleague,” wrote fellow Below Desk cast member Hannah Ferrier in an Instagram tribute. “Always the gentleman. You will be missed.”


Meanwhile, Julia d’Albert Pusey wrote on her Instagram Story: “What sad news to hear of Mark’s passing, my thoughts are with his family and friends.”

For more on this topic, follow the Film & TV Observer.

Check out Captain Mark Howard on Below Deck Mediterranean:

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