He was 28.
By Amy Lamare — Written on Jul 24, 2018
National Geographic released sad news Monday. Nicholas "Duffy" Fudge, a cast member on National Geographic Channel's reality series about commercial tuna fishermen called Wicked Tuna died last week. He was 28 years old. Let's take a look at what we know about his passing so far.
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1. Statement from National Geographic
National Geographic released a statement via Twitter that said "@NatGeoChannel and @Pilgrim_Studios were saddened to learn that Wicked Tuna cast member Nicholas “Duffy” Fudge passed away this week. Duffy was the first mate on Captain Tyler McLaughlin’s fishing vessel, Pinwheel. We join his family and friends in mourning his untimely loss."
2. When did he die?
Fudge died unexpectedly on Thursday, July 19, 2018, according to his obituary. No cause of death has been released. The obituary notes Fudge's passion for the outdoors. "As a child, Nick began tuna fishing with his father and grandfather. 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. Nick also treasured the environment and he took seriously his responsibility to protect it."
3. First mate
Fudge also appeared on Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks. Duffy was the first mate on Captain Tyler McLaughlin’s fishing vessel, Pinwheel. Wicked Tuna premiered on the Nat Geo channel in 2012. The series followed McLaughlin's boats as they fished for tuna off the treacherous coasts of Gloucester, Massachusetts.
In a statement to the Boston Globe, McLaughlin said that Fudge was a "great friend and talented fisherman." “Together, we had some epic moments at sea, and the Pinwheel won’t be the same without him. Out of respect for Duffy’s family, we ask for privacy at this time as we continue to process this tragic event."
4. A moment of silence
In honor of Duffy, the Nat Geo channel took a moment of silence during Sunday night's episode of Wicked Tuna. The moment was announced by the channel on Twitter. As a memorial for Duffy, we will be having a moment of silence on our Twitter during tonight’s episode. Rest in Peace."
5. His obituary
Fudge's obituary noted that he was born August 1, 1989 in Topsfield, Massachusetts. He graduated from Portsmouth High School and excelled in sports, particularly fishing, hockey, lacrosse, skiing, snowboarding and surfing. The obituary also humorously said, "Nick now begins his next adventure to locate his missing cell phones, ID’s, and credit cards." Fudge's family is asking that donations be made to a memorial fund in his name. The proceeds will benefit environmental preservation.
Amy Lamare is a Los Angeles based freelance writer covering entertainment, pop culture, beauty, fashion, fitness, technology, and the intersection of technology, business, and philanthropy. She is deeply devoted to her chocolate Labrador and an avid long distance runner. You can find her on Instagram and Facebook.