Charlie Griffin, a pilot for the National Geographic show Wicked Tuna, tragically died in a boating accident on Sunday night.
Griffin was boating with a friend in the Outer Banks of North Carolina when he went missing. According to the Coast Guard, the two boaters, who had left Virginia Beach, were delayed in reaching Wanchese, North Carolina, where their boat needed repairs. They were last heard from at 6:15 p.m. that evening.
On Monday, Coast Guard teams and local first responders discovered the empty boat. Inside, they found Griffin and his dog, Leila, both of whom had passed away.
As of Monday evening, officials were still searching for the second person who had been on the trip.
A heart-wrenching post on Griffin’s Facebook page, Reels of Fortune, confirmed his death. The post, accompanied by a photo of Griffin smiling in the sun, read: “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 joined Wicked Tuna in Season 2 and remained with the show through Season 5. The popular National Geographic reality series follows skilled fishermen who compete to catch giant fish that can be worth tens of thousands of dollars. Griffin won the fourth season, securing his place in the show’s history.
Fans were quick to share their condolences on social media. One wrote, “One of my all-time favorite guys. Rest easy, Griff.” Another said, “This is very sad for all show fans. He will forever be one of my favorites.”
Some fans shared pictures of Griffin and Leila, remembering their kindness and expertise. “Charlie was very knowledgeable and friendly, a great captain,” wrote one fan. “Leila was a great dog. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
NC Watermen United, an organization that supports commercial fishermen, also expressed their sorrow, saying, “Charlie was well-loved and will be missed by many. We will always be grateful for the difference he made in our lives.”