"I don't need this in my life"—Below Deck star Lawrence Snowden quits mid-charter after reaching his breaking point

The second episode of Below Deck season 12, which aired on June 9, 2025, took a sudden turn when Chef Lawrence Snowden decided to resign from his position aboard the St. David. His departure came during the first charter, following several high-stress moments in the galley. As tensions escalated, Lawrence told producers,

"I think, at this point, I'm just too p***ed off. I don't need this in my life.”

He explained that the combined pressure of the yacht's work demands and the filming process ultimately resulted in his early departure from Below Deck.

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Chef Lawrence Snowden exits Below Deck during the first charter due to high stress and emotional strain

Lawrence explains the reason for leaving

Chef Lawrence Snowden shared that the stress of his new role quickly became overwhelming. While reflecting on his short time aboard, he clarified that it was a first-time experience for him.

“I was shaking, and I felt like I was going to have a panic attack,” he said.

He explained that the environment led his stress levels to escalate to an unsustainable point. In a conversation with producers, Lawrence said,

"It feels a bit like a failure. Problem is, when everything is going wrong around you, obviously… there's a limit.”

Although he expressed disappointment about stepping away so early, he emphasized that leaving was necessary given his emotional state. He acknowledged that quitting during the initial phase of the charter was unusual for him, but he made it clear he had reached a limit.

Before leaving, Lawrence agreed to assist with the transition by helping his replacement get settled. He later explained that he felt "more relaxed" after making the decision and also credited his "gut" for urging him to leave.

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Captain Kerry and crew respond to Lawrence’s exit

Captain Kerry Titheradge addressed Lawrence’s emotional state early on and attempted to offer support. However, once Lawrence decided to quit, Kerry acknowledged that the situation could not continue.

“If someone's willing to quit so quick, I can't have that. I need someone I can trust,” he said.

Kerry later reflected in a Below Deck confessional,

“I showed him support, but that support couldn't get him out of his funk. He has decided he can't be here any longer, and I'm not gonna try and convince him to stay.”

His focus quickly shifted to maintaining stable operations and finding a new chef. Chief Stew Fraser Olender responded with concern, saying he could "panic" after learning there was no chef on board. He asked if anything could be done to help, but Lawrence had made up his mind.

Fraser then suggested bringing back a former crewmember, calling him "skilled" despite past issues, referring to Chef Anthony Iracane.

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Chef Anthony returns to Below Deck

Following Lawrence’s departure, Chef Anthony Iracane returned to the galley. After a brief interaction with Lawrence, Anthony reflected on the chance to rejoin the crew.

“It’s a redemption. I’m not a loser and I can be a winner. And I can make all my family proud,” he said.

Anthony reflected on his Below Deck season 11 firing, saying he was "destroyed" by being let go from St. David. He later learned from Barbie Pascual that Fraser may have been involved in the decision, which "hurt" him deeply. Still unclear about what happened, he admitted to holding on to "all this anger." Looking ahead, Anthony stated,

“It’s going to be showtime. It’s going to be the Tony show.”

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Stream Below Deck anytime on Peacock.