Nicholas ‘Duffy’ Fudge, star of the National Geographic Channel reality television series “Wicked Tuna,” died last week at 28.
Fudge’s death was confirmed to the Associated Press by the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home in New Hampshire. A cause of death has not been released.
Fudge died “unexpectedly” on Thursday, according to an obituary published on the funeral home’s website. The network also confirmed the fisherman’s passing in a statement released on Twitter.
“Duffy was the first mate on Captain Tyler McLaughlin’s fishing vessel, Pinwheel. We join his family and friends in mourning his untimely loss,” the statement read.
Fudge appeared on “Wicked Tuna,” which follows several fishing boats in Gloucester, Mass., in search of the elusive Atlantic Bluefin tuna. He also appeared on the spinoff series “Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks.”
“Duffy” reportedly got his start in fishing as a child with his father and grandfather.
“Nick also treasured the environment and he took seriously his responsibility to protect it,” the young star’s obituary says. “He was known for his smile, his fearlessness, his adventurous spirit, his mischievous sense of humor, and giving big hugs.”
