Struggles may force 'Gold Rush' star Rick Ness to part with a large piece of his heart and soul
YUKON, CANADA: 'Gold Rush' Season 15 star Rick Ness boasts an impressive $3 million net worth, according to Celebrity Net Worth. With over a decade of experience in the mining industry, he has achieved multiple record-breaking successes, earning respect and admiration from fans and peers alike. However, despite his accomplishments, Rick recently faced a devastating personal crisis that turned his world upside down.
The death of his mother dealt Rick Ness a devastating blow, leaving him heartbroken and adrift. Struggling to cope with the grief, Rick slipped into depression and turned to narcotics as a way to escape his pain. This dark chapter took a heavy toll on Rick's mental health and career, causing him to lose sight of the ambitions that once fueled him. Thankfully, after a challenging journey, Rick found the strength to break free from the grips of addiction and commit to rebuilding his life. In a bid to restore his business and regain his footing, Rick made the tough decision to sell his mother's beloved house. Starting from scratch, Rick is determined to make a comeback, assembling a dedicated crew to pursue his dream of land ownership. Yet, just as he begins to regain his footing, a shocking revelation from his landlord threatens to derail everything he's worked for, casting a shadow over his future.
'Gold Rush' star Rick Ness' injury ends his football career
'Gold Rush' star Rick Ness once lived for football, showcasing his talent as an exceptional player. However, a severe head injury abruptly cut his athletic dreams short, leading him to discover a new passion: music. He immersed himself in the scene, attending concerts until he eventually joined the .357 String Band as their bass player.
With their unique sound, the band released three albums, 'Ghost Town' (2006), 'Fire & Hail' (2008), and 'Lightning from the Northern' (2008), and embarked on a globe-trotting tour that showcased their infectious energy.
Rick Ness' music career helped him to find his gold mining passion
'Gold Rush' star Rick Ness was enjoying his newly found fame and multiple gigs with his band. During their world tour in 2006, he and the .357 String Band performed at the Southeast Alaska State Fair, where he crossed paths with gold mining expert Parker Schnabel.
Intrigued by the world of gold, Rick joined Parker's crew, taking on roles as an excavator and rock truck operator, eventually earning a promotion to foreman. Their collaboration blossomed over various projects, but Rick's ambitions grew. He assembled a team of skilled miners and leased a claim at Duncan Creek, determined to unearth enough gold to pay off his debts and turn a profit.
His breakthrough came when he and his father, Rick Senior, opened a new section called Shamrock Cut. They struck gold, big nuggets, and coarse deposits, that reignited Rick's passion and optimism, setting him on a path to success in the mining world.
Rick Ness hits to stardom with 'Gold Rush' debut
Rick Ness rose to fame as a prominent star of the reality series 'Gold Rush', making his Discovery debut in Season 3. He dedicated six seasons to the show, serving as Parker Schnabel's right-hand man, before launching his own mining company at the end of Season 8. Rick's journey also included appearances on 'Gold Rush: Parker's Trail', 'Gold Rush: The Dirt', and 'Gold Rush: Alaska'.
After Season 13, Rick stepped back to confront personal challenges that had taken a toll on him. When he made his return to the show, he sought redemption but faced an uphill battle, struggling with the staggering operational costs that totaled around $750,000. Undeterred, Rick has been tirelessly working to reclaim what he lost, determined to turn his fortunes around.
'Gold Rush' Season 15 premieres on Friday, November 8 at 8 pm ET on Discovery.