With deep sadness, we announce the passing of a famous“Below Deck star — “Farewell to a star”… 💔😢
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of a famous“Below Deck star — “Farewell to a star”… 💔😢
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of a beloved Below Deck star — a loss that continues to cast a long shadow over the Bravo community. the quiet, steady force who helped launch Below Deck Mediterranean into the global phenomenon it is today, remains one of the franchise’s most cherished figures. Even years after his unexpected passing, fans still feel the ache of losing the man whose calm leadership and gentle presence defined an era of the show.
This week, emotions resurfaced across social media as tributes, memories, and rare behind-the-scenes clips of the late captain began circulating once again. Viewers who followed the series from its earliest days instantly recognized the familiar warmth in his smile, the patience in his voice, and the grace with which he handled both storms at sea and storms among crew. For many, he wasn’t just a captain — he was the heart of the show’s golden beginning.
As the Below Deck world gathers once more to honor his legacy, one sentiment is shared by all:
Farewell to a true star… gone, but never forgotten. 💔😢
The captain appeared on 13 episodes of the show’s first season in 2016.
The cast and crew of Below Deck Mediterranean are mourning the death of one of their own. Captain Mark Howard, who appeared in 13 episodes of the Bravo show’s first season in 2016, died this week at age 65, Bravo confirmed on Friday.
“Our thoughts and sincerest sympathies are with the family and friends of the respected Captain Mark Howard,” Bravo said in a statement. “As the captain of the first season of Below Deck Med, he will always be remembered for his many contributions and mentorship and will forever remain part of the Bravo family.”
TMZ reports that Howard died unexpectedly at his home in Florida, and is survived by his wife, Sandy.
Howard’s Below Deck Med co-star Tiffany Jones shared photos of the late captain on Twitter, writing, “RIP Captain Mark Howard. You were a joy to be around.”
In 2016, ET spoke with Howard about how he ran his ship. “There’s more experience involved here,” Howard told ET at the time. “This is the pinnacle of charter yacht operation and the best of the best people go to the Med. We had some newbies, but we had a lot of experience as well. That really made a big difference in what we were able to do and the service we were able to provide for the charter clients.”
He added of his crew, “At first, there was a little bit of pushing and prodding with some people, seeing how far they can go with some people. But in the end, everyone got to that professional level and gave it their heart and gave it all they could.”
Howard is survived by his wife, Susan.
