Nicholas “Duffy” Fudge was a popular reality TV star who appeared on the National Geographic series “Wicked Tuna” and its spin-off “Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks”. He was the first mate on the fishing vessel Pinwheel, led by Captain Tyler McLaughlin. He was known for his fishing skills, his adventurous spirit, and his mischievous sense of humor. Sadly, Duffy passed away unexpectedly on July 19, 2018, just days before his 29th birthday. His death shocked and saddened his fans, friends, and family. But what was the cause of his sudden demise?
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Decompression Sickness: A Possible Explanation
The official cause of Duffy’s death was not publicly disclosed by the authorities or his family. However, some reports and sources suggest that he may have died from decompression sickness, also known as “the bends”. According to Looper, this is a common condition that affects scuba divers and deep-sea fishermen who resurface too quickly after being exposed to high pressure underwater. This causes nitrogen bubbles to form in the blood and tissues, which can lead to various symptoms such as dizziness, joint pain, paralysis, and even death.
According to the New Hampshire Union Leader, a local fisherman who knew Duffy said that he “may have been a victim of decompression sickness”. The fisherman also said that Duffy had complained of feeling unwell after a dive a few days before his death. He added that Duffy was not wearing a dive computer, which is a device that monitors the depth and time of a dive and helps prevent decompression sickness by indicating when to ascend and how to decompress safely.
Decompression sickness is a serious and potentially fatal condition that requires immediate medical attention. However, it can be difficult to diagnose and treat, especially if the symptoms are mild or delayed. According to Harvard Health, some people may not experience any symptoms until hours or days after a dive. Therefore, it is possible that Duffy did not realize the severity of his condition and did not seek help in time.
A Tribute to a Passionate and Fun-Loving Fisherman
Duffy was a passionate and fun-loving fisherman who had a deep respect for the ocean and its creatures. He started fishing at a young age with his father and grandfather, and became one of the best sport fishermen in the country. He joined the cast of “Wicked Tuna” in 2013 and quickly became a fan favorite. He also appeared on the spin-off series “Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks”, where he and his crew traveled to North Carolina to catch the elusive bluefin tuna.
Duffy was remembered by his family, friends, and fans for his smile, his fearlessness, his adventurous spirit, his mischievous sense of humor, and his big hugs. His obituary stated that “his presence could light up any room”. His family also joked that in his next life, “Nick now begins his next adventure to locate his missing cell phones, ID’s, and credit cards”.
The “Wicked Tuna” crew paid tribute to Duffy on the show and on social media. They honored his memory by continuing to fish and catch tuna, which was his passion and livelihood. Captain McLaughlin said that he caught a fish on the spot where he and Duffy caught their last fish together. He said, “I don’t care if we get $2 a pound, $25 or $30 a pound. I’m just so happy to have this fish. It means so much to us”.
Duffy’s death was a tragic loss for the fishing community and the reality TV world. He was a talented and charismatic fisherman who left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and fans. Rest in peace, Duffy.
