Former "Deadliest Catch" Captain Clarence Helgevold Jr. pleads guilty in fatal crash

(CBS/AP) KENAI, Alaska - Clarence "Ole" Helgevold Jr., an Alaska fishing captain who led a crew on the program that spawned the cable TV show "Deadliest Catch," has pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide and driving under the influence in a fatal snowmobile crash.

Helgevold, 60, pleaded guilty Friday under an agreement that requires him to serve 4 1/2 years in prison for criminally negligent homicide and six months for the DUI charge

Helgevold was originally charged with manslaughter in January when his car crashed with a snowmobile driven by 47-year-old George Larion, who was thrown from the snowmobile and died at the scene.

Investigators said Larion was driving on a road in the early evening of Jan. 19 when his snowmobile was hit from behind by Helgevold's car.

His plea deal also specifies four years of suspended jail time, a $5,000 fine with $1,000 suspended, and license revocation for three years and 30 days. Helgevold was ordered not to have direct or indirect contact with Larion's wife. He also must submit to alcohol screenings and undergo alcohol treatment.

Helgevold is out on bail and cannot leave home for anything other than approved appointments.

Helgevold was captain of the Arctic Dawn, the vessel featured in a three-part miniseries "America's Deadliest Season." The show followed Helgevold and his crew during the 2003-2004 opilio crab season, and was used as a pilot for "Deadliest Catch," the Peninsula Clarion reported.

The judge must sign off on the final plea arrangement during sentencing and reserves the right to decide if the deal is harsh or lenient. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 25.