Who Was Cody James Reedy? The NCIS Crew Member Honored by the Show

Cody James Reedy was a crew member of the popular CBS crime drama NCIS, who passed away on September 19, 2019. His death was not widely reported at the time, but the show paid tribute to him at the end of the fourth episode of season 17, titled “Someone Else’s Shoes”. The tribute card read: “In memory of our friend and colleague Cody James Reedy. We will miss you.”

Cody James Reedy’s Role in NCIS

Reedy was not a well-known figure among the fans of NCIS, as he did not have any on-screen credits or appearances. However, he was an important part of the production team, working as a grip. A grip is a technician who is responsible for setting up and maintaining the equipment that supports cameras and lights, such as dollies, cranes, and rigs. Grips are essential for creating the desired shots and effects for a film or TV show.

According to his IMDb page, Reedy worked on 13 episodes of NCIS between 2018 and 2019, as well as on other shows such as NCIS: Los Angeles, SEAL Team, and Scorpion. He also had some experience as an actor, appearing in short films such as The Last Job and The Last Laugh.

Cody James Reedy’s Cause of Death

The cause of Reedy’s death was not revealed by the show or his family, but some online sources claim that he died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that is often mixed with other drugs. Fentanyl is responsible for many fatal overdoses in the US, as it is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.

Reedy was 39 years old when he died, leaving behind his wife, two children, and many friends and colleagues who mourned his loss. His obituary described him as a “loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend” who had a “passion for life and adventure”. He was also a “talented musician” who played guitar and drums.

Cody James Reedy’s Connection to the NCIS Episode

Some fans speculated that Reedy’s tribute was related to the theme of the NCIS episode that aired on October 15, 2019, which dealt with homeless veterans and a murder at Arlington National Cemetery. However, there is no evidence to support this theory, and it is more likely that the show simply wanted to honor one of their own who had passed away recently.

The episode, “Someone Else’s Shoes”, featured the team investigating the deaths of two homeless people who were killed by a sniper. They discovered that the victims were former Marines who had served in Afghanistan, and that the killer was a fellow veteran who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and blamed them for the death of his friend. The episode also highlighted the plight of homeless veterans who often struggle with mental health issues, addiction, and lack of support.

The show has a history of paying tribute to people who have contributed to the show or inspired its stories, such as former cast members, crew members, military personnel, and real-life crime victims. For example, in season 16, the show honored Todd Merer, a former assistant director who died in 2018, and in season 15, the show honored Ralph Waite, who played Gibbs’ father and died in 2014.

Cody James Reedy’s Legacy

Cody James Reedy may not have been a household name, but he was a valued member of the NCIS family who made a lasting impact on the show and its fans. His tribute card was a simple but heartfelt way of expressing the show’s gratitude and respect for his work and his life. He will be remembered as a friend and colleague who loved his job and his family, and who brought joy and creativity to the world.