Wicked Tuna is one of the most loved shows on the National Geographic Channel. Following a group of fishermen from Massachusetts, it captures a very real glimpse into the lives, jobs, and danger that blue fin tuna fishermen face every year.
This year marks the seventh season of the show, but it's been what's happening off the screen that has tragically defined it.
In late July, Nicholas "Duffy" Fudge, a Wicked Tuna star, died unexpectedly. His family, friends and the cast and crew of Wicked Tuna were shaken.
.@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
Sadly the show is dealing with another tragedy, as William 'WillyBilly" Hathaway died after being involved in a car accident over the weekend.
Hathaway was a crew member on Foolish Pleasures, a ship featured on Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks. He was 36 and leaves behind a wife and a child.
Posted by Mary Malone Hathaway on Friday, September 28, 2018
Hathaway's wife, Mary, told police that he had called her after being involved in a car accident. He said he was fine, but someone has cut him off. Reports say that when paramedics arrived, however, he was slumped over, unconscious in the driver's seat.
He was taken to a nearby hospital, but died in Salisbury, Maryland.
A Facebook Fundraising page has been set up to assist Hathaway's family in their time of need.
On December 15, Mary's husband William Joseph Hathaway, passed away suddenly in a car accident. He was an exceptional human being whose passion was the sea. He always brightened the day of anyone he met. his wife and newborn baby girl he was most proud of. Due to his untimely death we are asking for donations to help them stay on their feet while trying to survive this tragedy. Thank you in advance.
So far over $50,000 has been raised for the family.
Posted by Mary Malone Hathaway on Monday, October 29, 2018
It's never easy losing a loved one, but Mary and her new born daughter, Molly Jean, lost an incredible man in such an unexpected way. Prayers are especially needed to get them through such a time.