Dakota Fred Hurt, the renowned miner who gained fame through his appearances on Discovery’s Gold Rush: White Water, has sadly passed away at the age of 80. Hurt’s family made the announcement on Monday, sharing that he had succumbed to Stage 4 brain cancer after a valiant battle. The beloved miner celebrated his 80th birthday the day before his passing.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Hurt’s family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support during their difficult time. They mentioned that Fred had touched many lives and had been adored by many. In honor of his passion for teaching valuable skills in skilled labor, the family requested that any donations be made to the Mike Rowe Works Foundation. They also emphasized that this was the only donation request from Fred’s family.
Dakota Fred’s gold-mining career began in North Dakota, where he built a family legacy. He then ventured into the world of reality television, co-starring in various gold-mining series such as Gold Rush: South America and Gold Rush: The Legend of Porcupine Creek. However, it was his role on the spin-off series, Gold Rush: White Water, alongside his son Dustin Hurt, that solidified his status as a fan favorite.
Gold Rush: White Water, set in the remote Chilkat Mountains of Alaska, captivated audiences with its high-stakes white-water gold mining. Viewers followed the intrepid miners as they navigated treacherous waters in pursuit of the precious metal. In Season 6 of the show, Dustin had the opportunity to run two mining crews simultaneously after purchasing his father’s mining equipment.
Discovery, the cable network behind the Gold Rush franchise, expressed their deep sadness upon hearing of Fred Hurt’s passing. They referred to him as a treasured member of the Gold Rush family and extended their condolences to his loved ones.
Throughout his time on the show, Dakota Fred faced controversy and allegations regarding a claim in Porcupine Creek. He shared his frustration with how he was portrayed, which led to threats and a tarnished reputation. Fred expressed a desire to write a book to set the record straight and shed light on his adventurous life.
In conclusion, the mining community and fans of the Gold Rush series are mourning the loss of Dakota Fred Hurt. His legacy as a skilled miner and his captivating appearances on television will forever be remembered. As the industry mourns, supporters are encouraged to donate to the Mike Rowe Works Foundation in honor of Fred’s lifelong dedication to teaching valuable skills.
