What Happened to Duffy on Wicked Tuna: Everything You Need To Know So Far!

By Aarush Sharma On Nov 28, 2022

Wicked Tuna is an American reality television series about commercial tuna fishermen based in Gloucester, Massachusetts, who fish for the lucrative Atlantic bluefin tuna in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Teams of fishermen compete to see who can make the most money by catching fish. Since April 1, 2012, the series has been broadcast on National Geographic Channel.

When Did Duffy Pass Away?

The actor died on July 19, 2018, just a few weeks before his 29th birthday.

Duffy assisted his good friend Tyler McLaughlin on his boat, the Pinwheel. According to his obituary, he discovered his passion for tuna fishing as a child.

“After becoming one of the country’s top sport fishermen, he earned a spot on the National Geographic reality show Wicked Tuna for multiple seasons,” the tribute read.

“Nick also valued the environment and took his responsibility to protect it seriously.”

What Happened to Duffy on Wicked Tuna?

Duffy’s cause of death was not disclosed at the time of his death almost three years ago, but fans were shocked to learn that he died so suddenly.

His colleagues speculated that he may have died from ‘the bends’ or decompression sickness.

According to Harvard Health, decompression sickness, also known as generalized barotrauma, “refers to injuries caused by a rapid decrease in the pressure that surrounds you, either of air or water.”

Although it is most commonly associated with deep-sea divers and scuba divers, it can also occur during high-altitude or unpressurized air travel.

.@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. pic.twitter.com/Cw8Q8JKQHn

— Wicked Tuna (@WickedTuna) July 23, 2018

Who Replaced Duffy as Tyler Mclaughlin’s First Mate?

Duffy died just a few days before the crews began filming Wicked Tuna season eight.

Captain Tyler McLaughlin made the decision to continue the show without his first mate and best friend.

He chose his sister, Marissa McLaughlin, to fill Duffy’s position.

“I’m afraid I’ll burn out this season, so I’m counting on Marissa to be a solid first mate,” Tyler explained in a National Geographic video.

“She still has a lot to learn, but she has her captain’s license. She is capable of navigating. She is capable of reading radar. She understands how to operate the boat. When we’re fighting fish, she can run it. She is, after all, more than qualified.”

Tyler then dedicated his first catch of the season to his late best friend,

“We simply persisted. We just caught a fish on the same spot where Duffy and I caught our last fish together “Tyler explained.

“I don’t care if we get $2, $25, or $30 per pound. I’m overjoyed to have this fish. It means a lot to us.”

Following the season premiere episode, National Geographic compiled a video of Duffy and Tyler fishing together to honor his memory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Died From the Wicked Tuna?

The Cause of Duffy’s Death Was Not Revealed at the Time of His Death Nearly Three Years Ago, but Fans Were Shocked to Learn That He Died So Suddenly. His Coworkers Speculated That He May Have Suffered From “the Bends” or Decompression Sickness.

What Did Wicked Tuna’s Paul Get in Trouble for?

According to the Original Indictment, Hebert Illegally Collected Benefits From 2010 to 2012, After Swearing Under Oath at a 2010 Social Security Administration Hearing That “He Was Completely Disabled and Unable to Work” While Working as a Commercial Fisherman and Later Appearing on the Popular Show That.

Did Wicked Pissah Abandon Wicked Tuna?

Last Season, Paul Hebert’s Wicked Pissah Was the Highest-earning Boat, and He Returns This Season With a New Custom-built Boat and His Colourful Personality. “I Feel Blessed That I Am Still a Part of the Project, and I Hope We Have Many More Years,” He Said.