CAPE HATTERAS, NORTH CAROLINA – The recent tragic death of Captain Charlie ‘Griff’ Griffin in a boating accident has once again cast a shadow over the already beleaguered stars of National Geographic’s Wicked Tuna. The pattern of misfortune among participants of the popular fishing competition has prompted many to speculate about a possible curse looming over the show’s cast.
Griffin’s passing is just the latest in a series of untimely deaths and scandals that have plagued the Wicked Tuna franchise over the years. From fatal car crashes to mysterious deaths, the show has seen its fair share of tragedies that have left fans and crew members alike reeling.
The show, which first aired in 2012, has gained immense popularity over the years, with its upcoming 13th season eagerly awaited by fans. Its spinoff, Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks, is also gearing up for its ninth season. However, the success of the franchise has been overshadowed by the unexpected losses of several cast members.
One such tragedy struck in 2018 when William ‘Willbilly’ Hathaway, a crew member on Captain Dale Lisi’s boat, lost his life in a car accident at the age of 36, just three months after becoming a father. The devastating incident left the Wicked Tuna community in mourning and raised questions about the dangers faced by the show’s participants.
Another heartbreaking death occurred that same year when Nicholas ‘Duffy’ Fudge, the first mate on Tyler McLaughlin’s boat, passed away at the young age of 28. While the exact cause of his death remains a mystery, speculations suggest it might have been related to ‘decompression sickness.’ The loss of Fudge added to the growing list of tragedies associated with the show.
In a separate scandal, cast member Paul Herbert faced federal fraud charges in 2015 for allegedly falsifying disability claims. The revelations of Herbert’s deceit came as a shock to many, further tarnishing the reputation of the Wicked Tuna series.
As the Wicked Tuna community continues to grapple with these ongoing challenges and controversies, the future of the show remains uncertain. The string of misfortunes that have befallen its participants serves as a stark reminder of the dangers and risks involved in the high-stakes world of competitive fishing.
The legacy of Wicked Tuna is now overshadowed by a cloud of tragedy, leaving many to wonder if the show’s success has come at too high a cost for its cast members. As fans mourn the loss of yet another beloved star, the haunting question of whether the show is truly cursed lingers in the minds of those connected to the series.