It is news of utter sadness and loss that the widely loved star from Gold Rush, Dakota Fred Hurt, is no longer among us. Dakota Fred Hurt, widely known as a star on Discovery Channel’s popular show “Gold Rush: White Water,” has passed away after a brief battle with brain cancer. His family announced the news of his death through a statement shared on his official Facebook page.
At the age of 80, Hurt passed away surrounded by his loved ones, four months after revealing his Stage 4 brain cancer diagnosis. His family described his courageous fight against the disease and expressed gratitude for the love and support he received.
The Discovery show expressed their respect and tribute to Hurt, acknowledging that the Gold Rush family felt sorrow upon learning about his passing.
They mentioned that his enthusiasm for life and exploration had a profound impact on others. The statement concluded by extending sincere sympathies to his family, friends, and everyone who held affection for him.
Remembering Dakota Fred Hurt
To honor Hurt’s legacy and his passion for teaching valuable skills in skilled labor, the family suggested donations to the Mike Rowe Works Foundation in his memory.
Being a prominent figure in the mining industry and having worked in skilled labor for most of his career, Hurt was dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others.
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Dakota Fred began his gold-mining journey in North Dakota, building a family legacy and later appearing alongside his son, Dustin Hurt, on various gold-mining shows, including “Gold Rush: South America,” “Gold Rush: The Legend of Porcupine Creek,” and the spin-off series “Gold Rush: White Water.”
The latter series, which premiered in 2018 as part of Discovery Channel’s gold-mining franchise, followed white-water gold seekers and divers in their quest for riches in Alaska’s remote Chilkat Mountains. In one notable season, Dustin had the opportunity to operate his father’s mining equipment and lead two crews simultaneously.
Discovery Channel expressed deep sorrow upon learning about Fred Hurt’s passing, describing him as a cherished member of the “Gold Rush” family and extending condolences to his family and all those who held him dear.
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Throughout his time as a reality star, Dakota Fred faced controversy when allegations arose climbing he had stolen a claim in Porcupine Creek. He addressed these accusations in a Facebook post, stating that he had been unfairly portrayed and that the negative portrayal had greatly affected his life, leading to death threats and damage to his reputation.
Despite the challenges, Hurt aimed to prove his dedication as a responsible miner through his continued involvement in the show. /he also expressed his desire to write a book detailing his side of the story and his remarkable life experiences.
Dakota Fred Hurt’s passing leaves behind a legacy of adventure and perseverance, and his impact on the mining industry and the “Gold Rush” series will not be forgotten.
Dakota Fred Hurt’s Life and Career
Dakota Fred Hurt, born on July 10, 1943, in Minot, North Dakota, had a net worth of $6 million, according to reports. He accumulated his wealth through lucrative mining ventures and television work. Initially, Hurt embarked on a career as a commercial diver during the 1960s and later ventured into the construction business.
After dedicating more than two decades to construction, Dakota Fred Hurt decided to explore the morning profession. In 2008, he operated in Nevada, Wyoming, and Montana and subsequently moved to Alaska, especially Little Squaw Lake, where he established a gold processing plant.
From this location, Hurt and his team successfully extracted more than 600 ounces of gold. Additionally, he reportedly mined gold worth over $750,000 from Porcupine Creek. Furthermore, Dakota Fred Hurt served as the co-owner of Thrill of Hunt Entertainment LLC.
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