Swamp PeoplestarBrandon Landry faced a surprising family challengethat tested his strength and resilience after leaving the show.Swamp Peopleis a reality television seriesthat airs on the History Channel. It follows the lives of alligator hunters in Louisiana who earn their living during the short alligator hunting season.
The show captures their day-to-day struggles, traditions, and the risks involved in navigating the swamps. It highlights Cajun culture, family dynamics, and the skills passed down through generations in one of America’s unique hunting communities.
TheLandry family is central toSwamp People, with Troy Landry recognized as one of Louisiana’s most experienced and respected alligator hunters. Known for his signature call, “Choot ’em,”Troy has become a fan favoriteand the face of the series. His sons, Jacob and Chase, frequently join him on the water, helping to continue the family’slong-standing bayou hunting traditions.
Their teamwork, humor, and dedication highlight the strong family bonds that define the show. Brandon Landry, Troy’s stepson, also appeared in a few seasons, contributing briefly to the family’s legacy before stepping away from television.
Brandon Is Not Troy Landry’s Biological Son
Brandon’s Legal Name Is Brandon Hotard
Brandon is not Troy’s biological son. He is theson of Bernita Landry from a previous relationship.After Bernita married Troy, Brandon became part of the Landry family, and Troy helped raise him alongside his own children. Although not related by blood, Troy treated Brandon like one of his own sons.
Their bond is built on love and shared experiences rather than biology, and Brandon has been considered a true member of the Landry family for many years despite not being Troy’s biological child.
Brandon Landry’s Journey On Swamp People So Far
What Happened To Brandon Landry On Swamp People?
Before officially joiningSwamp Peoplein season 4 in 2013, Brandon made a brief, uncredited appearance in season 3. At that time, he had no active role and wasn’t involved in the hunting action.
Nearly a decade had passed since Brandon last hunted alligators, making his return in season 4 a meaningful addition to both the Landry family dynamic and the show’s storyline. His reappearance alsomarked a personal journey of reconnectionwith his father and the swamp life he had stepped away from years earlier.
Brandon returned during a challenging time. Hurricane Isaac had delayed the season, shrinking the hunting window. With Troy’s regular partner, Clint Bowerman, stepping away to run his turtle farm, Troy asked Brandon to join him.
Despite his lack of recent experience and the complications caused by the storm, Brandon re-entered the swamp in season 4, starting with episode 1, “Swamp Invaders.” His storyline focused on adapting to the unpredictable conditions while also highlighting a deeper, more emotional father-son bond rooted in legacy and resilience.
Brandon Landry’s Death Rumors Explained
Brandon Won’t Return For Future Swamp People Seasons
Brandon’s time onSwamp Peoplewas brief but meaningful, offering a glimpse into a family member reconnecting with his roots. Unlike his brothers Jacob and Chase, Brandon appeared only during seasons 4 and 5 in a recurring role. His return highlighted tradition and family bonds more than a long-term commitment.
From season 6 onward, Brandon did not rejoin the cast, andno explanation was given on the show.His absence suggests his return was temporary and more about personal connection than a lasting return to life as a full-time alligator hunter.
According toTheCelebsInfo, there were recently rumors that he had died. The confusion about Brandon’s death comes from a case of mistaken identity. A different person with the same name, also from Louisiana, died at the age of 24. He was a graduate of Live Oak High School and had no connection to the Landry family seen on the History Channel.
The Brandon Landry known fromSwamp Peoplewas born on July 11, 2025, and is 49 years old as of 2025, with no credible reports suggesting otherwise.
Brandon Landry’s Son Crue Hotard Has Biliary Atresia
Crue Got His Transplant In June 2025
Brandon’s son, Crue Hotard, was born on June 24, 2025, through an emergency C-section and spent time in the ICU shortly after birth. In February 2025,Troyshared Crue’s diagnosis with the public through an Instagram post.
“Statement from Crue’s family: Crue was born with a liver disease known as Biliary Atresia. After a failed corrective procedure, his disease has now unfortunately progressed into end-stage liver disease, which requires a liver transplant before the liver completely fails,”
Troy said in his statement. Troy wished to help raise awareness about organ donors who save many lives every day.
Biliary atresia is a rare liver condition that affects infants, usually appearing within the first few weeks after birth. It happens when the bile ducts are missing, blocked, or extremely narrow. Without proper treatment, it can cause liver scarring, damage, and eventually lead to liver failure.
Crue was going to need a liver transplant, which, although not a cure, wasgoing to be a lifelong treatment for the baby. By March 2025, Crue had been on the transplant list for two months. However, in June 2025,Troyposted that Crue was headed to get his transplant and asked for prayers from his followers.
Brandon is likely facing emotional and mental exhaustion as he supports his infant son, Crue, through a life-threatening liver disease. As a father, watching his child endure medical procedures and wait for a transplant must be heartbreaking. Choosing to stay away from social media andSwamp Peoplemay be his way offocusing on family, protecting their privacy, and avoiding public pressurewhile navigating one of the most difficult times in his life.
Swamp People
Cast
Swamp People follows the lives of alligator hunters in Louisiana’s Atchafalaya Basin who navigate treacherous waters during the state’s alligator hunting season.
