How did Dakota Fred Hurt die? Gold Rush star who 'touched many lives' died surrounded by family at 80
ALASKA: Dakota Fred Hurt, a gold miner who appeared in the first season of Discovery reality series 'Gold Rush' before getting his own spinoff, 'Gold Rush: White Water', has died. His family revealed that he "fought courageously in his battle against cancer" before his death at the age of 80.
Hurt, an experienced miner, originally appeared in 'Gold Rush's first season, which was broadcast on Discovery in 2010. Since Hurt was from North Dakota, he and his miner son Dustin earned the nickname "The Dakota Boys" as they competed with other miners to locate the most gold in Alaska and the Klondike region of Canada. The Dakota Boys played a significant role in 'Gold Rush's first four seasons, which lasted for a total of 13 seasons on Discovery.
How did Dakota Fred Hurt die?
Dakota Fred Hurt's family shared the following statement on Hurt's official Facebook page after his death on Tuesday, July 11: "'Dakota' Fred Hurt passed away this morning surrounded by family. He fought courageously in his battle against cancer. Fred touched many lives and was loved and supported by many." His family requested that anybody wishing to give in Hurt's honor should do so through the Mike Rowe Works Foundation: "Having worked the majority of his career in skilled labor, Fred was passionate about teaching on these valuable skills."
Hurt and his son left the program after Season 4, but they later returned in 2018 for the spinoff 'Gold Rush: White Water'. Hurt and Dustin traveled to Alaska to search for gold in pools of whitewater at the base of waterfalls. The spinoff has had six seasons, with the most recent being the Season 6 finale that aired just last month.
'I wanted to hear 'It's Gold!''
Fans and family members who came to the comment area to express their love and respect for Hurt showed how much they cared about him. A fan wrote, "RIP Fred! You’re an incredible example! I’m Thankful to have gotten to know and respect you throughout the Gold Rush series. Many Fans, I’m one too!"
"I am not ready for this. I wanted to hear "It's Gold!" From this man's mouth for so many years to come. Glad we got to know Fred. Keeping his family, and Dustin in our prayers," claimed another. Gold Rush's official Facebook page also sent a message, "Sending all our love and best wishes to Fred and those that loved, admired, and worked with him." A fellow miner also noted, "Thank you Fred for the opportunity you gave me so many years ago which led to me to do so much more in the mining world. Rip Fred." "Rip Fred, A man that showed the world that he was the epitome of hard work x," commented another fan.
A March news statement stated that Hurt had been identified as having stage 4 brain cancer. He said at the time, "I've lived a full 80 years of an interesting life. If I emerge from this dark diagnosis, I'll have another adventure to share with you folks."