Charlie Griffin dead: Wicked Tuna star dies with ‘beloved dog Leila’ at his side in horror boating accident
A CAPTAIN who starred in the National Geographic show Wicked Tuna has died in a boating accident.
Charlie Griffin went missing on Sunday night while boating with a friend in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
On Sunday night, the Coast Guard heard a report that two boaters from Virginia Beach were overdue to arrive at Wanchese, North Carolina, where their vessel needed repairs.
They hadn't been heard from since 6:15 pm that evening, a Coast Guard spokesperson told The Virginian-Pilot.
On Monday, the Coast Guard and local first responders found the boat and discovered Griffin's body as well as a dead dog.
The second person remains missing, and a search for them is ongoing.
Griffin's death was confirmed in a heartwrenching post shared on his Facebook page Reels of Fortune.
A picture of a sun-kissed Griffin smiling was posted with the caption, "It is with the deepest sadness we report that Charlie Griffin and his beloved dog, Leila, have passed away in a boating accident today.
"Please keep family and friends in your thoughts and prayers."
Griffin, who lived and worked in North Carolina, joined the Wicked Tuna cast for Season 2 and stayed until Season 5.
The ongoing National Geographic program is a reality TV show that follows seasoned fisherman who make their living by reeling massive fish that can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Fans of the star poured out condolences on social media and voiced their heartbreak at the devastating news.
More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.
Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @TheUSSun.