Carlos Minor Biography: Gold Rush White Water Star Married, His Kids, Career and Facts.

From the depths of oil rigs to the raging rivers of Alaska, Carlos Minor has lived a life shaped by risk, service, and survival. His journey reflects a rare blend of military precision and backcountry grit.

Carlos Minor (born in 1970) is a seasoned commercial diver, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and television personality best known for his role on Discovery Channel’s Gold Rush: White Water. The reality series follows a team of elite divers and miners—known as the Dakota Boys—as they plunge into Alaska’s most dangerous river systems in search of gold hidden beneath remote creek beds. Carlos works alongside Dustin Hurt, tackling one of the toughest jobs in the gold mining world. He is widely recognized for his toughness, discipline, and unwavering commitment to his core motto: “God, Family, Country.”

Military Service and Early Diving Career

Carlos served in the United States Marine Corps for 13 years, where he spent his final three years as a drill instructor, responsible for training and mentoring new Marine recruits. He strongly identifies with Marine Corps traditions and has publicly clarified that there is “no such thing as an ex-Marine”—Marines are always Marines.

After leaving active duty, he transitioned into commercial diving, taking on dangerous underwater operations in the Gulf of Mexico and the South China Sea. He worked on offshore rigs and pipelines, often diving beyond 600 feet. Despite the financial rewards, the intense schedule kept him away from family for long stretches, prompting him to look for more grounded work.

Joining Gold Rush: White Water on Discovery Channel

Carlos made his television debut in 2018 on Season 1, Episode 2 of Gold Rush: White Water, titled “First Gold.” At the time, he thought he had accepted a remote diving job and only learned it was part of a reality TV series after arriving in Alaska. After leaving offshore diving to seek a land-based job closer to family, he struggled to find steady employment. This led him back to diving—this time in Alaska’s untamed wilderness. The opportunity launched a long-running role with the Dakota Boys team and the Discovery Channel franchise.

Filming in Alaska’s unforgiving terrain brings challenges far beyond the cameras. Carlos frequently contends with behind-the-scenes setbacks such as severe flooding, drone malfunctions, and equipment losses—many of which never make it to air due to safety protocols and time constraints. He credits team leader Dustin Hurt’s quick thinking and cameraman “Ready Randy” for their ability to adapt under extreme pressure.

Despite decades of deep-sea experience, Carlos identifies Alaska’s five-foot whitewater currents as the most punishing diving conditions he has ever faced. During one dive, the force of the river was so intense that it tore his mask off—a scenario he never encountered even in the Gulf of Mexico or South China Sea.

Carlos Minor’s Wife, Children, and Family Life in Haines, Alaska

Carlos Minor married Teresa Garcia de Minor on April 1, 2011. In 2018, the couple relocated to Haines, Alaska, where Carlos could stay closer to gold mining sites like McKinley Creek while stepping away from offshore diving. Although the mine is just 20 minutes away by air, reaching it by land requires over two hours of travel through rugged Alaskan backcountry. The family has since adapted to the region’s long winters, remote setting, and backcountry rhythm.

Carlos is also a father to two adult children from a previous relationship: Teclo Minor and Xochitl Nayeli Minor. United in Haines, the blended family embraces outdoor life. Carlos frequently explores Alaska’s wilderness with Lolly, teaching her gold panning, metal detecting, and an appreciation for nature.

While gold mining remains a meaningful pursuit, Carlos has also considered more stable employment options, such as truck driving across Alaska’s rugged backroads. Guided by his lifelong motto—”God, Family, Country”—Carlos continues to make choices rooted in personal conviction and practical resilience.

In March 2019, the family mourned the loss of their loyal dog Hondo, who had stayed by Carlos’s side throughout his recovery from an injury. Hondo was tragically killed just one week after Carlos returned to work and now rests in the hills of Porcupine Creek. The family remembers him fondly as “the best friend ever.”

Entrepreneurial Ventures and Rock Art

In recent years, Carlos has pursued rock artistry and geology. Inspired by cast members Paul and Wes Richardson, he started polishing stones, sandblasting, and crafting handmade rock pieces. His goal is to sell custom souvenirs to tourists in Haines.

Lesser-Known Facts About Carlos Minor

• Born in 1970
• Served 13 years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a drill instructor
• Believes there’s no such thing as an “ex-Marine”
• Once survived a terrifying dive post-Hurricane Katrina involving an 8-foot grouper
• Refused to fly in an ultralight aircraft due to fear of flying
• Go-to comfort food while traveling: roadside diners like Denny’s
• Least favorite fast food: McDonald’s
• His small chihuahua once scared off a glacier bear near his home