The world of gold prospecting has misplaced one in every of its maximum liked and adventurous figures, “Dakota” Fred Hurt. He kicked the bucket on July 11, 2023, at the age of 80, after a brief struggle with mind cancer. He was once a veteran gold miner and television persona recognized for his role in the reality TV show “Gold Rush” and its spin-off “Gold Rush: White Water.” He used to be the chief of the Dakota Boys, a group of skilled and bold miners who are keen to move where others received’t and do what others can’t. For years, he braved the harsh conditions of Alaska and the Yukon, chasing his dream of striking it wealthy. But at the back of his difficult external, he was a guy who confronted many challenges in his non-public lifestyles. He persevered a failed relationship, a divorce, and a prognosis of level 4 cancer and succumbed to it. In this newsletter, we look back at his existence and legacy.
Table of Contents
Early Life
“Dakota Fred” Hurt was once born on July 10, 1943, in Minot, North Dakota. This TV star got his nickname “Dakota” due to his authentic roots in North Dakota, and his other nickname was once “BigFoot”.
From his early years, Fred used to be an avid fisherman and spent maximum of his time exploring the outdoors. Because of that, he didn't do well at school. Later, in high school, he was ready to improve his grade, but nonetheless, all in favour of fishing greatly.
The guy beloved the whole lot related to water which also got him in game diving most commonly off the coast of Corpus Christi, Texas, off Padre Island. During the ones years Fred used to be enthusiastic about making a occupation in Marine Biology but as soon as he learned they don't earn much he did not pursue the profession.
After high school, Fred took Geology classes in faculty, unfortunately, he didn't get much further with it too.
Career and Progression
You can be stunned and yet impressed to learn about Fred Hurt’s profession transition. For most of his existence, he labored in construction together with running a corporate of his own for nearly 25 years.
In his more youthful years, Fred was a industrial diver in the Gulf of Mexico. There he realized underwater construction, demolition, and salvage. His hardworking nature helped him to realize the grit to establish a building company of his personal. He ran the corporate nearly for 25 years ahead of retiring in 2004.
Even at the age of 60, Fred didn't recall to mind taking a relaxation from hard work in desire of a comfortable existence with his circle of relatives. Instead, he took a new bounce and became to gold mining in Alaska. Naturally, at first, it came arduous for him, and suffered from health issues. He weighed over 10 kilos greater than his preliminary weight and may no longer keep up with a younger crowd of miners.
In over 15 years as a gold miner, Fred adapted relatively smartly, shed the additional weight, and buffed up to the requirement of the process. He additionally established himself as one of the vital succesful other people to extract gold, particularly in the frozen a part of Alaska due to his enjoy in recreation diving.
Gold Rush
Fred Hurt first appeared on “Gold Rush” in Season 1 as a guest miner who helped Todd Hoffman’s staff with his expertise and kit. He joined the crew full-time in Season 2 however quickly clashed with Hoffman over mining strategies and management. In Season 3, he shaped his personal group with his son Dustin Hurt and took over the Porcupine Creek claim that Hoffman had abandoned. He continued to mine there in Season Four but also explored different locations reminiscent of Cahoon Creek and Fantasyland.
In addition to the “Gold Rush”, Fred Hurt also gave the impression on other presentations associated with gold mining and journey. He used to be featured on “Gold Rush: The Dirt”, a behind-the-scenes communicate show that aired alongside “Gold Rush”. He also participated in “Gold Rush: South America”, a particular season that followed probably the most miners as they explored mining opportunities in Peru, Chile, Guyana and Bolivia. However, he didn't experience this revel in and called it “disastrous” in a Facebook post.
Leaving the Show & Return
After Season 4 of “Gold Rush”, Fred Hurt introduced that he would no longer return for Season 5. He cited monetary reasons as the main issue behind his resolution, saying that he had spent more than he had made for 4 years directly and may now not afford to proceed. He also claimed that there was a struggle of interest between him and the manufacturing corporate and that he used to be not paid like an actor in spite of entertaining hundreds of thousands of viewers. He said that he did not agree with probably the most concepts that the film team got here up with and that he and his son have been left to their own devices creatively.
Despite his departure from the “Gold Rush”, Fred Hurt did not surrender on gold mining or television. In 2018, he returned to the display with his personal spin-off display referred to as “Gold Rush: White Water”. The series followed him and his son Dustin as they dive into the raging whitewater creeks of Alaska, using suction dredges to extract gold from the riverbeds. The show showcased their daring and dangerous exploits, as well as their personal struggles and conflicts.
Cancer and Death
Fred was recognized with level 4 cancer in March 2023 which put his future plans in jeopardy. He shared the inside track with his lovers in a press release from his production corporate, Thrill of the Hunt Entertainment. However, Fred didn't specify what form of mind cancer he had but stated he was once exploring options for imaginable treatment. He mentioned that he hoped to find more adventures that he can percentage with his lovers despite his dark prognosis. He additionally expressed his gratitude for his fanatics’ enhance and love through the years. Not lengthy after prognosis, Fred Hurt succumbed to brain most cancers. He kicked the bucket on July 11, 2023, surrounded by way of his circle of relatives and family members, who mourned the loss of a exceptional man.
Net Worth?
Self-proclaimed “Not a Rich Man,” and “Working-class Category,” regardless of the claims, Fred was identified to have riches in his possession. He used to be able to manage to pay for the luxurious for his family as smartly, thanks to his net value. During the time of his demise, Fred Hurt net value was estimated to be round $6 Million.
Personal life
Wife & Family
Fred Hurt was married for over Forty two years and it took him 3 different women to do it. There is no information about his first spouse. His 2d wife used to be Lorrayne Frances Leier Hurt.
Lorrayne had a passion for accumulating pieces and going to public sale. She even opened a collectible industry in a three way partnership with Fred. The two also changed into a part of the charitable purpose by being very energetic in native civic organizations.
Fred loved Lorrayne and had no plan of parting with her but destiny had a other plan. Lorrayne suffered from a long-time illness. Ultimately, she passed on to the great beyond on February 2, 2015.
His married life didn’t finish there however took a new flip. After his wife left this global a lot of his friends were there for him, among them used to be Jennifer Sheets. Jennifer turned into his life spouse on July 30, 2016, almost 17 months after his spouse kicked the bucket.
Fred Hurt and Jennifer Sheets had their wedding ceremony at Letnikof Cove in Haines, Alaska. Jennifer additionally seemed at the Gold Rush where she showcased her cooking talent for the Dakota Boys.
Fred didn't have any kids with his present wife but is survived by way of his 4 children from his earlier dating. The Hurt circle of relatives line continues with six grandkids and 5 great-grandkids. His son at the show, Dustin Hurt is one in every of 4 youngsters from the previous courting.
Wiki/Bio Facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Full title | Fred Hurt |
| Nickname | Dakota Fred |
| Date of start | July 10, 1943 |
| Date of Death | July 11, 2023 |
| Age | 80 Years Old |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Gender | Male |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Place of birth | Minot, North Dakota, USA |
| Occupation | Businessman, miner, reality TV big name |
| Net worth | $6 million (estimated) |
| Wife | Lorrayne Frances Leier Hurt (second wife) Jennifer Sheets (third wife) |
| Son | Dustin Hurt |
| TV displays | Gold Rush, Gold Rush: White Water |
| Health situation | Diagnosed with stage 4 mind most cancers in 2023 |
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