Captain Charlie Griffin, fisherman and star of National Geographic series Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks, has died.
Griffin and his pet dog, Leila, died in a boating accident on Monday.
The news of the star’s passing was confirmed in a post on his official Facebook page on Tuesday morning.
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“It is with the deepest sadness we report that Charlie Griffin and his beloved dog, Leila, have passed away in a boating accident today, March 4th,” the post reads.
”Please keep family and friends in your thoughts and friends. We will forever remember Griff!”
Hundreds reacted to the statement, sharing messages of condolences in the comment section.
Griffin, who appeared on four seasons of Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks, was the owner and captain of fishing charter Reels Of Fortune.
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In a statement provided to The Outer Banks Voice, the US Coast Guard provided an update on the boating tragedy.
“The US Coast Guard received a report of an overdue vessel traveling from Virginia to Wanchese, NC,” the statement read.
The statement confirmed Griffin’s vessel, which is believed to have “capsized”, was located off Pea Islandin North Carolina. Griffin’s body and the body of his dog were recovered onshore nearby.
It also states that officers “are still searching for a second occupant that was aboard the vessel”.
National Geographic and Pilgrim Media Group shared a joint statement with PEOPLE on the death of the Wicked Tuna star, saying they were “saddened to learn” of the tragedy.
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“Charlie was known to all as a spirited fisherman with a big heart. We join Charlie’s family, fellow cast members and friends in mourning his untimely loss,” the statement said.
The statement also noted that the shipwreck was “unrelated to the series”.
Griffin appeared on the popular reality show captaining his boat and crew including son Jake Griffin.
The show, a spin-off from the popular Wicked Tuna franchise, sees teams of fishermen compete to catch the lucrative Atlantic bluefin tuna in the Outer Banks region of North Carolina.