Troy Landry: The Unsinkable King of the Swamp Faces Legal Scandal and a Tragic Family Battle
Troy Landry has long been the face of Louisiana’s bayou life—a fearless gator hunter whose catchphrase, “Shoot him! Shoot him!”, turned him into a household name and the undeniable “King of the Swamp.” Yet, behind the tough, unshakable Cijun exterior, Landry’s life has been a relentless cycle of triumphs, devastating personal battles, and, most recently, a shocking legal scandal that has led many fans to question the integrity of the swamp dynasty he’s built.

Troy’s journey from a life steeped in Cijun tradition in Pierre Park, Louisiana, to the star of the History Channel’s Swamp People is a testament to his unmatched skill. Hunting, fishing, and trapping were the Landry family’s way of life, knowledge passed down by his father, Duffy Landry. When Swamp People debuted in 2010, Troy was already a decades-long veteran, quickly becoming the show’s anchor thanks to his unmatched knowledge, profound courage, and ability to stay calm when facing 12-foot, 600-pound gators.

He’s a dedicated family man, celebrating over 44 years of marriage to his wife, Bernita, and hunting alongside his three sons, Jacob, Chase, and Brandon. While alligator season is short—lasting only 30-60 days a year—it’s Troy’s most profitable time, as he consistently fills more tags than anyone else. But the fame and the title of “King of the Swamp” have brought increased scrutiny, leading to a string of intense personal and legal challenges that have tested his resilience.

The Battle Off the Bayou: Cancer and a Resilient Comeback
Even the strongest men face battles no amount of muscle can fight. For Troy, that moment came in 2022 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, one of the most common cancers in American men. The news was a profound shock to his family, fans, and the entire Swamp People community. For a man whose life was built on physical strength and demanding outdoor work, the diagnosis was heavy.

After initially keeping the news private, Troy revealed in mid-2022 that he was preparing for surgery. The operation was successful, and doctors removed his prostate. Fans flooded his social media with support and prayers, with the main question hanging in the air: Would the King of the Swamp be able to return to his physically demanding life?

Troy’s recovery was fueled by his gratitude for his medical team, his family, and his loyal fans. His son, Jacob Landry, offered reassuring updates, and in a remarkable display of determination, Troy returned to the water. His comeback was overwhelming, proving he wouldn’t let cancer define him. His return to the swamp, where the work demands sharp reflexes and physical strength in hazardous conditions, only deepened the connection between him and his audience, solidifying his image as a man who faced his most challenging fight and came out stronger.

The Shocking Legal Scandal: Hiding the Truth
Just as fans celebrated his health recovery, Troy found himself at the center of a different kind of crisis—a legal scandal that seemed to confirm long-circulating rumors about a darker side the cameras never showed.

In September 2024, Troy Landry was cited by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) for two counts of failing to properly tag an alligator. The investigation was launched after the LDWF received an anonymous tip about illegal gator lines in Lake Pal. Agents caught Landry and his associates—one of whom was reportedly a cameraman—after observing them setting up lines.

The charge was serious: Landry allegedly did not have the correct property-specific tags required by Louisiana law, which are mandatory for legal harvest. In a moment of panic, Landry reportedly admitted he had previously cut a dead, stiff gator loose from his line and let it float away. The carcass was later found with Landry’s hunting line attached to its mouth, resulting in two citations: one for the improper tag and a second for the dead alligator. Each charge carried a potential penalty of $950 in fines and up to 20 days in jail.

The incident, which occurred seven months before the launch of Swamp People Season 16, was met with a notable silence from Landry, the History Channel, and the LDWF. Landry’s only public response was reportedly a dismissive and evasive comment to a news outlet: “I got a speeding ticket also last month.”

Despite the severity of the potential legal consequences, Landry swiftly returned to his normal activities, including filming and posting frequent updates about Swamp People Season 16 on Facebook. The consensus suggests that both Troy and the show’s producers viewed the incident as relatively minor, and any legal matter was likely “quietly dealt with.” Landry’s loyal, mostly baby boomer fan base seemed largely unaware of the citations, allowing him to maintain his public image as the King of the Swamp.

A New Heartbreak: The Fight for Baby Crew
As the legal controversy quietly faded, a new, far more devastating personal challenge struck the Landry family. In February 2025, Troy shared a heartbreaking update on social media regarding his grandson, Crew, the son of Brandon Landry.

Baby Crew was diagnosed with biliary atresia, a rare and severe liver disease affecting infants. The disease, which blocks or narrows the bile ducts, progressed rapidly after a corrective procedure failed, leading to end-stage liver failure. By March 2025, Crew was on the transplant list, needing a liver before his own shut down completely.

Troy’s post, captioned “Our little baby Crew,” included a photo of his smiling grandson and a public plea for support, including a donation link to help cover transplant-related expenses not handled by insurance. The family’s public vulnerability galvanized the fan community once again, who rallied to support them during this incredibly difficult time. Thankfully, there was good news: Crew successfully received a liver transplant in June 2025 and is now recovering.

What’s Next for the Unsinkable Swamper?
Troy Landry remains the anchor of Swamp People. His life story—from overcoming cancer to navigating a legal citation and supporting his family through a medical crisis—is the essence of the show’s appeal: grit, instinct, and resilience.

Though rumors of retirement persist, Troy has made his intentions clear: “This is what I was born to do. I’ll be out here as long as I can.” His future likely involves continuing to lead the charge on Swamp People, hunting alongside his sons, and potentially expanding his brand into lifestyle or outdoor ventures that celebrate Cijun culture, such as a hunting guide or a travel series.

Having battled cancer, he also holds a powerful platform to promote health awareness, a role that could potentially save lives. Ultimately, whether he eventually chooses to pass the mantle to his sons, Jacob or Chase, one thing is certain: Troy Landry’s legacy as the King of the Swamp is deeply rooted, and he has proven time and again that he is, quite simply, unsinkable.