‘Dakota’ Fred Hurt, reality TV star of Gold Rush White Water dead at 80, 4 months after a brain cancer diagnosis. What did he die of and how rich was he?
Dakota Fred Hurt was an American gold miner and star of the reality television series Gold Rush on Discovery.
Hurt became a television staple after appearing on multiple spinoffs of the hit series, including Gold Rush: South America and Gold Rush: The Legend of Porcupine Creek. He landed his own spinoff alongside his son Dustin through 2018’s Gold Rush: White Water. The series aired its season finale in June.
On July 11, 2023, the world learned about his death. He lived till 80 years. Following his death, avid reality Tv shows viewers are curious to know more about his cause of death and net worth. So, read on for more.
Profile Summary
| Celebrated Name: | Dakota Fred Hurt |
| Net Worth: | $6 million |
| Profession: | Tv Personality, gold miner |
| Died: | July 11, 2023 |
Credit: Facebook
What was Fred Hurt’s cause of death?
Discovery TV star and Gold Rush favorite Dakota Fred Hurt has died. He was 80.
News of Hurt’s death was announced by his family in a statement posted to his Facebook page Tuesday. “‘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,” the message read.
Reflecting on the passion he had for his career that rose to new heights after appearing in Gold Rush‘s debut season, his family added, “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.”
His colleagues remembered him as someone who had a “joy for life and adventure,” in a tribute shared on the series’ Instagram page.
“The Gold Rush family is deeply saddened to learn of Fred Hurt’s passing,” the post read. “His joy for life and adventure was contagious. We share our heartfelt condolences with his family, friends, and all who loved him.”
His stage 4 brain cancer diagnosis was first shared through a press release in March that stated he had stepped into the world of film production as co-owner of Thrill of the Hunt Entertainment LLC and had plans to work on several film projects along with his work in gold mining. The release added that Hurt remained in good spirits and that a “range of options for possible treatment” was being developed.
A statement from Hurt was also shared in the release, which read, “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.”
Images Source: Discovery
What is Dustin’s dad, Fred Hurt’s net worth?
Before he began his journey as what is essentially a modern-day treasure hunter, Fred Hurt was a commercial truck driver in the Gulf of Mexico. It was there that he learned about demolition, underwater salvage, and mining expeditions. Though he retired in 2004, it was clear he wasn’t quite ready to give up working. Fred Hunt is currently worth $6 million, says Celebrity Net Worth, but getting there hasn’t been an easy road.
Though Fred has been successful on the show, balancing gold mining and acting has been quite a challenge for him. When Fred and Dustin left the original Gold Rush, before Season 5, it was due to the immense financial toll the show was taking on Fred. In Facebook post, Fred apparently said, “If you want a miner, call me. If you wan an actor, pay me like one.” Thankfully, we’re stuck with both.