Dare County, North Carolina – The cast of the popular National Geographic show, Wicked Tuna, has been plagued by a series of tragic incidents over the years, leaving fans wondering if the fishing competition is cursed. The latest casualty is Captain Charlie ‘Griff’ Griffin, who lost his life in a horrific boating accident this week, along with his dog, Leila.
Griff’s untimely passing has not only devastated fans of the reality show but has also highlighted a pattern of misfortune that has struck the participants of the series. Since its debut in 2012, Wicked Tuna has followed teams of fishermen as they compete to catch the most Atlantic bluefin tuna, garnering immense popularity over the years.
The show’s cast has faced numerous challenges and tragedies, with one member succumbing to a fatal car accident shortly after becoming a father, while another died unexpectedly at the age of 28, with the cause of death remaining a mystery. Additionally, a cast member came under scrutiny in 2015 for allegedly defrauding the government by falsely claiming disability benefits.
As another star tragically passes away, memories of previous losses resurface, including the death of William ‘Willbilly’ Hathaway in a car accident at the age of 36. The cast also mourned the loss of Nicholas ‘Duffy’ Fudge at 28, whose cause of death is still shrouded in mystery.
Amidst these heartbreaking incidents, the show’s survival in the face of adversity has become apparent. Captain Dave Marciano, a veteran of the series, shared a harrowing experience of his boat sinking 20 miles from shore on a freezing day, underscoring the dangers faced by fishermen in their line of work.
Another dark cloud loomed over the show when cast member Paul Herbert was embroiled in scandal after being indicted on federal fraud charges for falsely claiming disability benefits. Despite these challenges, the show continues to attract viewers and remains popular as it gears up for its 13th season, with a spinoff, Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks, also in the works. The resilience of the cast and crew in the face of adversity showcases their unwavering dedication to their craft in the unpredictable world of deep-sea fishing.