What Happened to Tommy Chauvin on ‘Swamp People’?

Even after LaFont’s departure, Chauvin continued to be a part of the show during Seasons 8 and 9. However, shortly after filming Swamp People Season 9, Chauvin had to give up not just reality TV, but also his career as an alligator hunter. In July 2019, the reality TV star got into a terrible accident involving explosives. The blast ruptured his eardrums, damaged his eyes, and caused multiple abrasions on his chest and arms. The accident also resulted in his right hand and thumb being amputated. Chauvin was actually also at risk of losing his other arm and even had to start a GoFundMe page to raise funds for his surgery.

Chauvin eventually thankfully recovered and regained the functioning of his left hand. He even wrote personal letters to fans who supported him through this tough time. However, that wasn’t enough for him to go back to the world of alligator hunting. Ultimately, he had to retire early to focus on his health because the recovery required him to relearn basic everyday tasks. This was the second time Chauvin had made headlines for being involved in a deadly accident. The first was back in 2012 when he was involved in a five-car pileup along with Joe LaFont. Thankfully, though, the duo remained unharmed at the time.

The Only Way To Stay Updated With His Life Is Through Facebook

After the accident, Chauvin took a break from the public eye. Despite all the fame and recognition he had earned on Swamp People, Chauvin decided to keep most of his recovery and life after the horrible accident private. One of the reasons why he has not returned to reality TV might be the legal issues his step-father has been involved in over the years. As reported by NOLA.com, Joe LaFont was booked with domestic battery charges in 2012 which resulted in the loss of his gun rights. Chauvin has never publicly spoken out about these incidents, but LaFont’s erratic behavior could have strained their relationship after they no longer had to hunt together.

The only way Chauvin connects with his fans now is through his Facebook page, which he updates occasionally. After a lifetime’s worth of risk and drama, Chauvin has traded in alligator hunting for a quiet life with his beloved dog Butch. However, he hasn’t shared much about how his relationship with LaFont has been since their time on the show. He has shared a few updates on his love life over the years, though. And for now, it looks like Chauvin is single. But the reality star has continued to share posts on social media to let his fans know he’s happy with his life. Swamp People has not officially been renewed for Season 16 yet. All previous seasons of the show are available to stream on Hulu in the U.S.