How did Dakota Fred Hurt die? 'Gold Rush: White Water star' dies at 80
MINOT, NORTH DAKOTA: Dakota Fred Hurt, the renowned American gold miner and reality television personality from Discovery's 'Gold Rush: White Water', passed away on July 11, 2023, at the age of 80 after battling brain cancer.
Dakota Hurt began his career as a commercial diver in the 1960s and later ventured into construction, running a business for over 20 years. Transitioning to mining, he worked in Nevada, Wyoming, and Montana in 2008 and established a gold processing plant at Little Squaw Lake in Alaska, extracting over 600 ounces of gold. With a reported yield of over $750,000 worth of gold from Porcupine Creek, Hurt made a significant impact in the mining industry. Additionally, he co-owned Thrill of the Hunt Entertainment LLC.
He later became a prominent figure in various gold-mining TV series, including 'Gold Rush: South America', 'Gold Rush: The Legend of Porcupine Creek', and the spin-off 'Gold Rush: White Water', where he teamed up with his son, seasoned miner Dustin Hurt. The 'White Water' series is part of the gold-mining franchise and it unfolds in Alaska's Chilkat Mountains. The series chronicles the adventures of white-water gold seekers, divers, and mountaineers as they chase after millions in gold. In Season 6, Dustin took on the challenge of managing his father's mining equipment and running two crews simultaneously.
'Gold Rush: White Water' Season 8 is all set to air this year without the presence of Dakota Fred Hurt. The very first episode of the show is an emotionally charged episode titled 'A Tragic Beginning'.
Dakota Fred's family recall his courageous fight against cancer
Hurt's family confirmed his passing on Monday through an official statement on his Facebook page. Surrounded by family, Dakota Hurt succumbed to Stage 4 brain cancer, four months after revealing his diagnosis, just a day after celebrating his 80th birthday.
“He fought courageously in his battle against cancer. Fred touched many lives and was loved and supported by many,” the statement said. “If you feel inclined to donate on Fred’s behalf, please consider donating to the Mike Rowe Works Foundation in Fred’s honor. Having worked in skilled labor for the majority of his career, Fred was passionate about teaching others these valuable skills,” it added. “Please note that this is the only donation request from Fred’s family.”
The Discovery show 'Gold Rush: White Water star' pays homage to Dakota Fred Hurt
The Discovery show paid tribute to Hurt, expressing sadness over his passing, stating, "the Gold Rush family is saddened." The statement recognized his contagious joy for life and adventure, extending heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who loved him.
Television personality Rick Ness recalls working with Dakota Fred
Television personality Rick Ness shared a poignant memory associated with Dakota Fred Hurt on Facebook, accompanied by a photo:
"It was about 12 years ago I was mining at The Big Nugget Mine in Haines Alaska right across the creek from him and his crew. I actually even spent one of my weekends off running a loader for him. It was just a regular day, nothing too exciting but I'll always remember how much fun he seemed to be having and how much he was enjoying himself."
'Gold Rush: White Water' Season 8 premieres on March 8th, 2024 at 8:00 pm ET on Discovery.
