In Memoriam: ‘Dakota’ Fred Hurt
It is with a heavy heart we share the news that longtime Porcupine Creek placer miner and AMA Haines Chapter member “Dakota” Fred Hurt passed away July 11 after a courageous battle against cancer. Fred 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. TEMSCO
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. “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 See Fred celebrate his 77th birthday on YouTube: https://www.legacy.com/news/celebrity-deaths/ dakota-fred-hurt-1943-2023-gold-rush-reality-tv-star
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www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I August 2023
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