Nicholas (Duffy) Fudge, a fisherman who was part of the cast of reality television show Wicked Tuna, has died. He was 28.
Fudge died “unexpectedly” on Thursday, according to an obituary posted on the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home website. A cause of death was not released.
The National Geographic Channel show follows several Gloucester, Mass.-based boats that try to land bluefin tuna, which can weigh hundreds of pounds and fetch tens of thousands of dollars.
READ MORE: Richard Harrison dead: ‘Old Man’ from ‘Pawn Stars’ dies at 77
Fudge, of Greenland, N.H., was the first mate on Capt. Tyler McLaughlin’s fishing vessel, Pinwheel. He also appeared on a spinoff series, Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks. He began tuna fishing as a child with his father and grandfather.
Fudge’s obituary says he had a passion for the outdoors.
“Nick also treasured the environment and he took seriously his responsibility to protect it,” his obituary says. “He was known for his smile, his fearlessness, his adventurous spirit, his mischievous sense of humour, and giving big hugs.”
“After becoming one of the top sport fishermen in the country, he earned a place on the National Geographic reality show Wicked Tuna for multiple seasons,” his obituary reads.
READ MORE: ‘Deadliest Catch’ star Blake Painter found dead at 38
National Geographic posted on social media that it joins Fudge’s family and friends in mourning his “untimely loss.”
The popular National Geographic series announced the news on Sunday.
The series thanked fans for their support, writing on Facebook, “Thank you to everyone who has commented their condolences. We’re sure Duffy’s family and friends will take solace in knowing that he had so many wonderful fans who cared so deeply for him. Please continue to keep them in your thoughts.”
READ MORE: Jackson Odell, ‘The Goldbergs’ actor, found dead at age 20
Fans of the show took to Twitter to offer their condolences once news of his passing spread.
His family has asked that donations be made to a memorial fund, with proceeds benefiting environmental preservation.
—With files from the Associated Press
Comments