A pilot for the National Geographic show Wicked Tuna died in a boating accident.
On Sunday night, Charlie Griffin was boating with a friend in the Outer Banks of North Carolina when he went missing.
According to the Coast Guard, two boaters who left Virginia Beach were late getting to Wanchese, North Carolina, where their boat needed repairs on Sunday night at 11 p.m.
According to a Coast Guard spokesperson to The Virginian-Pilot, they hadn’t been seen or heard from since 6:15 that night.
Coast Guard members and local first responders found the empty boat on Monday. They went inside and found Griffin and his dog’s bodies.
Officials are still looking for the second person who was supposed to be on the trip as of Monday evening.
A heartbreaking post on Griffin’s Facebook page, Reels of Fortune, confirmed that he had died.
A photo of Griffin smiling and getting some sun was posted with the words, “It is with the deepest sadness that we report that Charlie Griffin and his beloved dog, Leila, have died in a boating accident today.”
“Please keep family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.”
Griffin started working as an actor in North Carolina in Season 2 of Wicked Tuna and stayed until Season 5.
The ongoing reality TV show on National Geographic follows experienced fishermen who make a living by catching huge fish that can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
At the end of the season, the fisherman who did the best is called the winner, which guarantees them bragging rights for life.
The fourth season ended with Griffin winning.
Celebrity fans shared their condolences and heartbreak over the terrible news on social media.
A fan wrote, “One of my all-time favorite guys.”
“Rest easy Griff.”
Others said, “This is very sad for all show fans.”
“He will forever be one of my favorites.”
Some fans shared a heartbreaking picture of Charlie and Leila that they said they met last summer on a boat ride.
“Charlie was very knowledgable and friendly, a great captain,” a fan wrote.
Lisa, Leila was a great dog. Familie and friends of him are in our thoughts and prayers.
An organization that supports commercial fishermen called NC Watermen United also said that Griffin was “well loved and will be missed by many.”
An organization said in a statement, “We will always be grateful for the difference he made in our lives.”
