'Time Bandit' crew member found dead in Homer

Justin Tennison, a 33-year-old crew member for one of the fishing vessels that appears on Discovery's "Deadliest Catch," was found dead Tuesday in Homer, police say.

Tennison's body was discovered in a room at the Best Western Bidarka Inn and reported to police at 12:52 p.m. Police say he died of unknown causes and the state medical examiner's office plans to perform an autopsy today in Anchorage.

Homer police say no foul play is suspected.

Tennison was found alone in the room, along with alcohol and roughly a quarter-ounce of what appeared to be marijuana, said Lt. Randy Rosencrans. "There was information that there had been a party at an adjacent room."

Read the brief police account here. Hotel employees declined to comment yesterday.

A spokeswoman for Original Productions, the production company that films the show, e-mailed this statement today:

Discovery Channel is saddened by the passing of Time Bandit crew member Justin Tennison. We send our sympathies to his entire family and fellow crew members during this most difficult time.

More on Tennison from the Time Bandit website:

Justin fished commercially for many years, living in Alaska for 28 years. He worked on the Time Bandit, alongside his second cousin, Eddie Uwekoolani, Jr., serving as Engineer during the tendering seasons, and joined the Time Bandit crew as a deckhand fishing the Red King 2010 and Opilio 2011 seasons.

Justin was tough as a bull and was an all-around good hand. The Captains and Crew appreciated his hard work and many contributions this past year. We will miss him terribly and wish his family all the best during this most difficult time.

Justin is survived by a son, daughter, sister, father and grandparents.

Tennison would have turned 34 next month, according to court records.