According to TMZ, William died in a car accident on Saturday in Salisbury in Maryland. The news website reported William swerved off a remote countryside road into a ditch. They added he reportedly told his wife he was fine after the incident but died shortly afterwards. He is believed to have been pronounced dead in hospital.
Express.co.uk has contacted a representative for the National Geographic channel for comment.
William was a part of the fishing crew on the Ocean City-based Foolish Pleasures vessel, which was featured on Wicked Tuna.
The latter is centered around fisherman looking for bluefin tuna off Gloucester, Massachusetts.
According to WBOC, there was minimal damage to Will’s truck and the airbags did not deploy.
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The news website added that a police investigation into the crash is ongoing.
A Facebook page has been set up to raise money for the late star’s wife Mary and their daughter Molly Jean.
Alongside a picture of the family, a statement reads: “On December 15 Mary’s husband William Joseph Hathaway a.k.a Willbilly, passed away suddenly in a car accident.
“He was an exceptional human being whose passion was the sea.
“He always brightened the day of anyone he met. His wife and new born baby girl he was most proud of.
“Due to his untimely death we are asking for donations to help them stay on their feet while trying to survive this tragedy.
“Thank you in advance. The Ocean City Fishing Community.”
Facebook user Stephanie Lisi, who appears to have set up the fundraising page, wrote: “Our community is so strong.
“Thank you all again for your continued support.
“Thank you WBOC for following up this tragic story and shedding light on the spirit of the kindness, compassion and love it takes to hold a village together.
“Your contributions will make a huge difference.”
So far, the fundraising page has raised over 58,000 dollars.