'Wicked Tuna' Cast Member Nicholas 'Duffy' Fudge Dies

GLOUCESTER (CBS/AP) -- A cast member of the TV show "Wicked Tuna" has died. The program announced Sunday night that Nicholas "Duffy" Fudge died earlier in the week. Fudge was first mate on Captain Tyler McLaughlin's boat.

The 28-year-old was born in Topsfield and grew up in Greenland, New Hampshire.

According to his obituary, Duffy began tuna fishing as a kid and was featured on Wicked Tuna after becoming one of the best sport fishermen in the country.

"He was known for his smile, his fearlessness, his adventurous spirit, his mischievous sense of humor, and giving big hugs," the obituary read. "Nick now begins his next adventure to locate his missing cell phones, ID's, and credit cards."

"We join his family and friends in mourning his untimely loss," Wicked Tuna tweeted.

The National Geographic Channel show follows several Gloucester-based boats that try to land bluefin tuna, which can weigh hundreds of pounds and fetch tens of thousands of dollars.

Fans of the show paid tribute to Fudge on social media.

No other information on his cause of death was immediately available.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)