You’ve probably seen the headlines or felt that sudden jolt of panic while scrolling through your feed. Someone mentions a "Paul Hebert obituary," and if you’re a fan of Wicked Tuna, your heart drops. You immediately think of the captain of the Wicked Pissah, the guy with the infectious laugh and the uncanny ability to land massive bluefin tuna when the stakes are highest.
But wait.
Before you start mourning the loss of the Gloucester legend, we need to clear the air. There is a massive amount of confusion surrounding this topic, and honestly, it's mostly due to how the internet handles names.
The Truth Behind the Paul Hebert Obituary Wicked Tuna Rumors
Let’s get the most important fact out of the way right now: Captain Paul Hebert from Wicked Tuna is alive. So why is everyone searching for an obituary? Basically, it’s a classic case of mistaken identity. In early 2024 and again in 2025, several men named Paul Hebert did pass away. One was a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who passed in January 2024 at the age of 57. Another Paul Hebert, an antique dealer from Syracuse, New York, passed in May 2024. More recently, in August 2025, a 95-year-old Paul R. Hebert from Lafayette passed away.
When an obituary for someone with a famous name hits the local papers, search engines go into a frenzy. Fans see the name, skip the details, and assume the worst about the TV captain they've watched for over a decade.
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It’s scary how fast a rumor travels. One minute you’re watching a rerun of the Wicked Pissah battling a 600-pounder, and the next, you’re reading a Facebook post that sounds like a final goodbye. But as of 2026, the Captain Paul Hebert we know—the one who has been a staple on National Geographic since 2012—is still very much with us.
Why Fans Are So Protective of Paulie
Paul Hebert isn't just another guy on a boat. He’s the underdog story of the series.
Remember his early days? He started as a mate on Dave Carraro’s FV-Tuna.com. He was the guy getting yelled at, the guy struggling to find his footing. Then he struck out on his own. He built the Wicked Pissah. He won the title. He became a fan favorite because he’s relatable—he wears his heart on his sleeve and he isn't afraid to look like a "wicked pissah" when things go sideways.
Life After the Cameras: What’s Actually Happening?
While the show Wicked Tuna was officially canceled in late 2024 after 13 seasons, the lives of the captains didn't just stop. Paul has been busy.
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If you look at the Gloucester docks today, you’ll find that Paul is still doing what he loves. He’s transitioned more into the charter business, allowing fans to actually get on the boat and experience the thrill of the hunt. It’s a different vibe than the high-pressure tournament style we saw on TV, but it’s real fishing.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room: The Fraud Case
Whenever people search for Paul's name, they often stumble upon older news stories about his 2016 legal troubles. This adds to the "obituary" confusion because people see "sentenced" or "court" and assume something tragic happened.
For those who don't recall:
- Paul was charged with Social Security and Medicaid fraud.
- He had claimed he was disabled and unable to work while simultaneously filming a reality show about manual labor.
- He received four years of probation and had to pay back over $50,000.
He’s been very open about the fact that he made mistakes. He served his probation, paid his restitution, and moved on. Fans have largely forgiven him because, well, he’s Paulie. He’s human.
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How to Spot Fake Celebrity Death News
The "Paul Hebert obituary Wicked Tuna" trend is a perfect example of why we can't trust the first thing we see on social media. Death hoaxes or simple name coincidences happen constantly.
- Check the location. The Wicked Tuna star is from Gloucester, Massachusetts. If the obituary is from Louisiana or New York, it’s probably not him.
- Look at the age. Paul was born in the mid-60s. If the obituary says the person was 95 or 30, it's a different person.
- Verify via official channels. If a major star like Paul Hebert passed away, National Geographic or the official Wicked Tuna social media pages would be the first to post a tribute.
Honestly, the best way to support Paul right now isn't by worrying about his health—it's by following his actual journey. He’s still active in the Gloucester community and continues to advocate for sustainable fishing. He’s a survivor, both on the water and in life.
Actionable Next Steps
Instead of falling for clickbait, here is how you can actually keep up with the real Captain Paul Hebert:
- Follow the Official Wicked Pissah Pages: Paul often shares updates on his charters and catches on his own social media channels. This is the only place to get "real-time" info on what he’s doing.
- Book a Charter: If you’re ever in the New England area, you can actually book a trip on the Wicked Pissah. Support the man’s business directly rather than contributing to the rumor mill.
- Revisit the Classics: With the show being off the air, streaming platforms still host the old seasons. Watching his Season 10 win is a great way to remember why he’s a legend in the first place.
The internet is a noisy place. Sometimes a name is just a name, and a headline is just a mistake. Paul Hebert is still out there, probably drinking a coffee and looking for a mark on the sonar. He isn't gone; he's just fishing.