Fred Hurt Wiki/Bio, Net Worth, wife, family, left Gold Rush?

Fred Hurt is not afraid to ruffle a few feathers here and there. An uncompromising and hard-headed miner, Fred has enjoyed a diverse career. Before getting into mining, Fred worked as a Commercial Diver in the Gulf of Mexico. After running an underwater salvage company for nearly 25 years, Fred retired from the business but that was just the start of a completely new career in Gold mining. After being roped into mining by his son-in-law, Fred discovered a newfound passion and has since continued his life as a miner.

Early Life of Fred Hurt:

Fred was born on the 10th of July, 1943, in Minot, North Dakota. During his early years, Fred spent most of his free time fishing and was obsessed with anything that had something to do with water. Fred continued fishing throughout high school and was later interested in sport diving off the coast of Corpus Christi, Texas. After relinquishing his dreams of becoming a Marine Biologist, Fred took Geology classes during his college but could not carry on with it.

Dakota Fred Hurt from Gold Rush

From diving to mining:

Around the time he got into college, Fred has heavily invested in commercial driving and left college to work in underwater construction. He went on to establish a company and served at its head for 25-years. After retiring in 2004, Fred began mining in Dakota but was later roped into mining in Alaska by his son-in-law. Talking about his motive behind moving to Alaska, Fred revealed,

“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!”. Having been in the Commercial Diving (Underwater) and Construction business most of my life, it was perfect preparation for gold mining.”

Why did he leave the show Gold Rush?

Fred Hurt joined the cast of Gold Rush on the 2nd season of the show alongside his son, Dustin. The duo formed the Dakota Boys team and set to mining. Talking about their appearance on the show, Tedd revealed,

“My son in law, Paul and I, drove the owner of the Porcupine Mine to the site near Haines Alaska. Discovery was filming the crew that was mining there. We were filmed for three days interacting with the Hoffman Crew, and I was asked by the film people if I would stay on. I agreed.”

Fred Hurt with his current wife jennifer sheets

Fred Hurt enjoyed an amazing run with the series from the second season but left the show on the fifth season after having a confrontation with the showrunners. He had a major dispute about the pay rate and revealed that he was getting paid only one-quarter of what the others on the show were receiving. As a result he and his son Dustin Hurt left the show in the fifth season and made an entrance in the eighth season of the show. During the beak, Fred was busy filming a documentary, All that Glitters. Fred is also featured in the spin-off show, Gold Rush: White Water, which began in 2018.

Personal Life and Net Worth:

While Fred has enjoyed massive success in his professional life, his personal life has been riddled with tragedies. While little is known about his first wife, Fred’s second wife was Lorrayne Frances Leier Hurt. Lorrayne shared Fred’s passion for mining and the pair enjoyed 22-years of blissfulness. Unfortunately, Lorrayne passed away on February 2, 2015, due to complications from a long-term illness. Fred Hurt married Jennifer Sheets in 2016. While the duo does not have any children, Fred has four children, six grandkids, and five great-grandkids, from his previous relationships.

Fred Hurt Second Wife, Lorrayne Frances Leier Hurt

Even at 77 years of age, Fred is still going strong and When asked what keeps him going, Fred revealed that there was nothing quite like mining.

“It’s definitely not about the money. It’s an adventure of a lifetime, and it’s the thrill of the hunt. There really isn’t anything like it out there. I also think it keeps me in pretty good shape and physical condition.”

As we know his major source of income comes from gold mining and the TV show Gold Rush. Currently, Fred has an estimated net worth of $1million.

Fred Hurt Wiki/Bio Facts:

Name‘Dakota’ Fred Hurt
Birthday July 10,1943
Nick NameBigfoot
Birth placeMinot, North Dakota, U.S
EthnicityWhite
ProfessionGold Miner
WifeJennifer Sheets(current), Lorrayne Frances Leier Hurt (Died)
Children4
Net Worth$1million

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