Nicholas Fudge, better known as Duffy to his fans and friends, was a popular star of the reality TV show “Wicked Tuna”. The show follows the lives and adventures of commercial tuna fishermen in Gloucester, Massachusetts, as they compete to catch the most valuable Atlantic bluefin tuna. Duffy was the first mate of Captain Tyler McLaughlin’s fishing vessel, Pinwheel, and also appeared on the spin-off series “Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks”. He was admired for his fishing skills, his passion for the outdoors, and his environmental awareness. Sadly, Duffy passed away unexpectedly on July 19, 2018, just days before his 29th birthday. His death shocked and saddened his family, friends, and fans, who still wonder what happened to him. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of Duffy’s death and how he is remembered by his loved ones and co-stars.
Contents
Decompression Sickness: A Likely Cause
The official cause of Duffy’s death was not disclosed by his family or the show’s producers. However, some of his fellow fishermen speculated that he might have died from decompression sickness, also known as “the bends”. This is a condition that can affect divers who resurface too quickly after spending time in deep water. According to Harvard Health, decompression sickness occurs when the pressure around the diver decreases rapidly, causing nitrogen bubbles to form in the blood and tissues. These bubbles can cause symptoms such as joint pain, dizziness, nausea, paralysis, and even death.
Duffy was an avid diver who often explored the underwater world in search of fish and other marine life. He also used diving equipment to assist him in his fishing operations. It is possible that he suffered from decompression sickness after one of his dives and did not seek medical attention in time. According to Looper, some local fishermen claimed that Duffy had complained of feeling unwell after diving a few days before his death.
Other Possible Factors
While decompression sickness seems to be the most plausible explanation for Duffy’s death, there could be other factors that contributed to his demise. For instance, Duffy had a history of drug addiction that he had struggled with for a long time. According to The Biography, he had several run-ins with the law for drug-related offenses and had been arrested for possession of heroin in 2017. He had also been involved in a car accident that left him with a head injury and a broken arm. It is possible that Duffy’s drug use or his previous injuries had weakened his health and made him more vulnerable to decompression sickness or other complications.
Another factor that could have played a role in Duffy’s death is alcohol consumption. According to The Sun, Duffy was known to enjoy drinking with his friends and co-stars after a long day of fishing. He had also been seen drinking on camera during some episodes of “Wicked Tuna”. Alcohol can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time, which are essential for safe diving. Alcohol can also increase the risk of dehydration, which can worsen the effects of decompression sickness.
A Legacy of Love and Respect
Regardless of the exact cause of Duffy’s death, there is no doubt that he left behind a legacy of love and respect among his family, friends, and fans. His obituary described him as a person who had “a smile, a fearlessness, an adventurous spirit, a mischievous sense of humor, and gave big hugs”. He was also remembered for his presence that could “light up any room”. He is survived by his parents Ronald Jr. and Judy Fudge, his brother Cody Fudge, and his girlfriend Ali Currier.
Duffy’s co-stars on “Wicked Tuna” also paid tribute to him after his death. Captain Tyler McLaughlin said that he was “heartbroken” by the loss of his friend and crewmate. He said that he and Duffy had shared many memories and adventures together on and off the boat. He also said that he would continue to fish in honor of Duffy’s memory. Other captains and fishermen on the show expressed their condolences and respect for Duffy as well.
Duffy Wicked Tuna cause of death remains a mystery to this day. However, what is certain is that he was a talented and passionate fisherman who loved the ocean and its creatures. He was also a kind and fun-loving person who touched many lives with his personality and generosity. He will be missed by many people who knew him personally or through the screen.
