Exploring Obituary: Reality Television Star Dakota Fred Hurt Dies’ “Dakota” Fred Hurt was a gold prospector who starred on the Discovery Channel reality series “Gold Rush” and several of its spinoffs. He has died after a short battle with brain cancer, a statement has revealed
Obituary: Reality Television Star Dakota Fred Hurt Dies
A statement released on social media by the star’s family reveal that he died on Tuesday, with cancer noted in the post. His death comes only four months after he was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer.
Taking to his Facebook page on Tuesday, the 80-year-old’s family penned a statement which read: “Dakota Fred Hurt passed away this morning surrounded by family. He fought courageously in his battle against cancer.”
They added: “Fred touched many lives and was loved and supported by many.” They then asked fans to donate to a cause in Fred’s honour, adding: “If you feel inclined to donate on Fred’s behalf, please consider donating to the Mike Rowe Works Foundation in Fred’s honour.
“Dakota” Fred Hurt’s legacy
Hurt first appeared on “Gold Rush” in its 2010 first season as an antagonist, taking over another prospector’s claim in Porcupine Creek, Alaska. He later explained to his fans that the purported takeover had actually been an amicable sale, with the drama ramped up for reality TV. Hurt remained on “Gold Rush” for four seasons, prospecting in Alaska’s Cahoon Creek in season four. He and his crew then left the series, intending to launch a show called “All that Glitters.”
Instead, in 2018, Hurt and his son, Dustin, began starring in the new spinoff, “Gold Rush: White Water.” This time, the crew prospected for gold in Haines Borough, Alaska, targeting the area’s whitewater creeks and waterfalls in their search. Hurt remained on the show until his death; its most recent season began in late 2022 and had its finale just a month before his death. Hurt also appeared on the reality shows “Gold Rush: South America” and “Gold Rush: The Legend of Porcupine Creek.”
Prior to his life as a prospector, Hurt worked in construction and commercial diving. In his memory, his Hurt’s family requested donations to the Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation.
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Notable quote
“My son-in-law, Paul, said he had always wanted to go gold mining. I agreed to go with him and asked where he wanted to start. I was shocked and delighted that he said ‘Alaska!’” —from a 2015 interview for Susan Finlay Writes.
