Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks' William 'Willbilly' Hathaway Dead at 36

William "Willbilly" Hathaway, who appeared on the National Geographic fishing documentary series Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks, died Dec. 15 after a crash in Salisbury, Md., according to WBOC and TMZ. He was 36.

According to WBOC, Hathaway crashed his pick-up truck into a ditch after swerving to avoid another driver who had cut him off. He called his wife immediately after the crash to tell her he was OK and declined help from passing motorists, but when EMS and state troopers arrived they found Hathaway unresponsive and not breathing. He was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead.

Hathaway was the first mate on the Foolish Pleasures fishing vessel, which has appeared on Seasons 3 through 5 of the series that follows bluefin tuna fishermen off the coast of North Carolina. Dale Lisl, captain of the Foolish Pleasures, posted a tribute to Hathaway on the Foolish Pleasures' Facebook page, calling him "one of the most original, genuine and real people you could ever know."

"National Geographic and Pilgrim Media Group were saddened to hear of the unexpected passing of our friend William Hathaway, a Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks cast member," a National Geographic representative said in a statement to TV Guide. "Our sincerest condolences go out to William's family and friends at this difficult time."

A fundraiser has been set up to help support Hathaway's wife Mary and his newborn daughter Molly Jean.

PHOTOS: Stars We Lost in 2018