What Happened to the Former Gold Rush Cast? Where They Are Now in 2025

From the frozen rivers of Alaska to the rugged hills of the Yukon, Gold Rush has built an empire on grit, gold, and the relentless pursuit of fortune. Since its debut in 2010, the Discovery Channel series has become one of cable’s most-watched reality franchises, spanning fifteen full seasons and more than 400 episodes. As of fall 2025, Season 16 is set to premiere on November 7, continuing the saga of miners chasing dreams amid record inflation, rising fuel costs, and shrinking pay dirt.

For fifteen years, fans have followed dreamers, engineers, and risk‑takers who staked everything on a few ounces of gold—sometimes striking it rich, other times losing everything to weather, machinery, or misfortune. But as new faces join the hunt, many of the show’s most iconic veterans have moved on to different chapters in their lives.

Where did they all go? From mining moguls who launched new ventures to veterans who traded heavy equipment for family life, this feature takes a closer look at what happened to the former stars of Gold Rush—and how they continue to shape the world of modern mining beyond television.

Todd Hoffman

Todd Hoffman became the central figure of Gold Rush when it debuted in 2010, leading a group of novice miners to Alaska in search of fortune. His leadership style—equal parts ambition and faith—helped turn the show into one of Discovery Channel’s biggest hits. Over the years, his crew battled setbacks in Alaska, the Klondike, Guyana, and finally Colorado.

By the end of Season 8 in 2018, Todd announced his departure, citing burnout and a desire to spend more time with family. However, he briefly appeared again in Season 10 (2019–2020) through archival footage in recap episodes such as No Guts, No Gold and Back to the Future, marking a short retrospective inclusion rather than a full return to mining. He later reflected that the stress of television mining had begun to overshadow the joy of the hunt. In 2022, Todd returned to Discovery with Hoffman Family Gold, a spin-off documenting his attempt to revive an abandoned mine near Nome, Alaska. The series, which has run for three seasons through August 2024, reunited three generations of Hoffmans—Todd, his father Jack, and his son Hunter—marking a full-circle moment for the family.

Outside of television, Todd has expanded into several ventures. He’s invested in new mining projects across Alaska and the Yukon. In March 2025, he confirmed via social media post—writing, “Bought a gold mine in the Yukon. Buying another one.”—that he had purchased new claims in the region, fueling speculation of another comeback to Gold Rush. He’s also pursued music with his band “Sandy Mule,” releasing several singles that echo his faith-driven themes. Off camera, Hoffman supports community causes in Oregon, including recovery programs and veteran outreach initiatives. His story now reflects a miner-turned-family man who found purpose beyond the gold pan—still chasing dreams, but on his own terms.

Jack Hoffman

Jack Hoffman, born in 1947 in Portland, Oregon, had been prospecting for decades before Gold Rush began. His dream of striking gold in Alaska predated the cameras by more than 25 years, and he nearly lost everything chasing it. When the series launched in 2010, Jack brought experience and determination to the Hoffman crew, often acting as the calm voice of reason beside his son Todd. Their shared dream of finding gold became one of the emotional anchors of the early seasons, symbolizing both ambition and family perseverance.

Between 2010 and 2018, Jack mined alongside Todd through the crew’s many moves—from Porcupine Creek to the Klondike, Guyana, and Colorado—enduring long seasons of risk and reward. IMDb listings verify that Jack Hoffman appeared briefly in Gold Rush Season 10 (2019–2020), specifically in recap-style episodes like 15 Million Dollar Season and The Road to 70 Million. He was credited as himself through archival footage, serving as a nostalgic callback to the Hoffman crew’s earlier success. These appearances were limited to retrospective segments rather than new filming. During his main run on the show (Seasons 1–8), Jack was known for operating the wash plant, sharing hard-won advice, and embodying the series’ “old‑school miner” ethos that endeared him to fans.

After the family exited Gold Rush in 2018, Jack stepped back from full-time mining. He returned to Oregon but remained active behind the scenes, supporting Todd’s ventures and occasionally appearing in Hoffman Family Gold (2022–present), which reunited three generations of Hoffmans in Alaska. In later years, Jack quietly battled brain cancer, an illness he fought for nearly 14 years before his passing on January 15, 2025.

Jack’s enduring legacy lies in his influence on both his son and grandson, shaping their approach to hard work and faith. He remains remembered by fans as the heart and moral compass of the Gold Rush franchise—a man who chased gold not just for fortune, but to fulfill a lifelong dream shared with his family.

Dave Turin

Before television, Dave Turin spent decades working in his family’s quarry and asphalt business in Sandy, Oregon. With a degree in civil engineering, he built a foundation in construction, earthmoving, and business management—skills that made him a natural problem solver long before cameras started rolling.

Turin joined Gold Rush in Season 2 (2011) as a guest advisor to the Hoffman crew and soon became an indispensable full-time miner. Known to fans as “Dozer Dave,” he brought precision, leadership, and calm to the often chaotic mining operations. His engineering mindset and steady approach helped stabilize the Hoffman team through seasons filmed in Alaska, the Yukon, and Colorado. He became known for his focus on safety, efficient site planning, and equipment management.

As the seasons progressed, mounting workplace stress and internal disagreements began to wear him down. By the end of Season 7 (2017), an altercation with a crew member became the final breaking point. In March 2017, Turin publicly announced that it was “time to move on,” citing increasing conflict and the emotional toll of on‑set pressures. His departure marked the end of one of Gold Rush’s most respected tenures.

Following his exit, Turin made a farewell appearance in Season 8’s The Legend of Dozer Dave (2017), summarizing his years on the Hoffman crew. He later reappeared briefly through archival footage in Season 10 (2019–2020) and Season 13 (2023), in episodes such as 15 Million Dollar Season, The Road to 70 Million, and Dozer Dave, All In—serving as tributes to his enduring legacy.

In 2019, Turin launched the Discovery spin‑off Gold Rush: Dave Turin’s Lost Mine, produced by Raw Television. Leading a smaller, tight‑knit crew, he set out to reopen and rehabilitate abandoned mining claims across Arizona, Montana, and Colorado. The show highlighted his engineering expertise and practical leadership, focusing more on the challenges of real‑world mining than the interpersonal drama of the main series. Across four seasons (2019–2022), the series earned praise for its focus on technical accuracy, reclamation work, and environmental care.

By 2022, Turin began scaling back his large‑scale operations, selling off heavy machinery and shifting toward consulting and mentorship through his company, Golden Streets Mining LLC. Even as he slowed his physical workload, he remained closely tied to the industry, mentoring younger miners and sharing insights on efficient, responsible practices.

In March 2024, Turin returned to Discovery with America’s Backyard Gold (Discovery/Max), a travel‑prospecting series exploring small‑scale miners, historical districts, and forgotten gold belts across the United States. The show combined hands‑on techniques, history, and local stories, reflecting Turin’s belief that prospecting is both a craft and a connection to American heritage. He described the series as a personal project that united his love of mining, education, and storytelling.

Today, Turin remains active through his official platform, DozerDave.com, and regularly appears at industry expos such as CONEXPO‑CON/AGG, where he discusses safety, leadership, and mining innovation. On social media (@grdozerdave), he continues to share updates from his consulting work and travels. While he no longer runs a full‑scale mine, Turin remains one of the most respected figures in modern gold mining—valued for his technical expertise, integrity, and enduring passion for the hunt.

Turin also remains active on Facebook, where he shares family moments and glimpses of everyday life. In an October 2025 post, he wrote about attending his grandson Micaiah’s football game, recalling how the boy once visited mine sites and helped work the gold shaker table in earlier years. Posts like these show Turin’s shift toward family life, mentorship, and appreciation for the next generation of miners.

Freddy Dodge

Born in Colorado, Freddy Dodge began prospecting at an early age and gradually built a career in mining through decades of field experience. Before joining television, he worked in the industry as a gold recovery specialist focused on sluice design, wash‑plant optimization, and fine‑gold recovery techniques. His work earned recognition within the North American mining community for improving efficiency and recovery rates.

Dodge made his first appearance on Gold Rush in Season 2 (2011), assisting the Hoffman crew in Alaska as a recovery specialist. His technical precision and ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical problems quickly made him an indispensable part of the operation. Over subsequent seasons, he appeared both as a mining consultant and hands-on operator, contributing to multiple crews including the Hoffmans and, later, Parker Schnabel’s team.

Through Seasons 8 and 9 (2017–2019), Dodge was frequently featured in episodes that highlighted his mining expertise, such as The Return of Freddy Dodge (2018) and Hoffman’s Ghosts (2018). IMDb records show that he continued to appear intermittently through Season 15 (2024), including technical or archival roles in episodes like Freddy to the Rescue (2021) and Gold Rush: Miners vs. Mother Nature (2024). These later appearances often focused on his role as a consultant and mentor rather than a full-time crew member.

After stepping back from the main series in 2018, Dodge transitioned into independent projects and later launched his own Discovery spin-off, Gold Rush: Mine Rescue with Freddy & Juan, in 2021. Partnering with mechanic Juan Ibarra, Dodge began traveling across the U.S. and Canada to help struggling mining operations. The duo’s mission—to redesign wash plants, improve gold recovery rates, and teach efficient, safe practices—made the show a fan favorite. The series remains active through 2025, with Dodge continuing to balance on-screen education with real-world mining consultation.

Outside of television, Dodge manages several mining claims in Colorado and maintains consulting ties in the Yukon, where he has worked on gold recovery projects and mentored independent miners. He remains actively involved in the prospecting community, attending trade shows and advising on equipment design and sluice efficiency. In 2018, he revealed that he had undergone surgery to remove a benign tumor—a health scare that was later confirmed to be non‑cancerous. In 2024, several entertainment outlets reported fan concern about Freddy Dodge’s noticeable weight loss, sparking speculation on social media. However, no official health update or diagnosis was confirmed, and Dodge has continued to appear publicly and share updates from his ongoing projects. His transparency about past health issues and steady engagement with fans have kept him a respected and trusted figure in the mining community.

As of 2025, Freddy Dodge remains one of Discovery’s most trusted mining figures. Still active through his verified X account (@FreddyDodgeGR), he continues to promote his ongoing work and television projects. In August 2024, he confirmed on X that a new season of Mine Rescue with Freddy & Juan was premiering on Discovery, sharing a post that read, “Hey guys please check out an ALL NEW SEASON of MINE RESCUE WITH Freddy & Juan Tonight at 8:00 EST on @Discovery.” The post, accompanied by a photo of gold concentrate, reaffirmed his continued presence both on-screen and in the field. His ongoing updates and outreach to fans reflect a steady, hands-on approach to mining and education that has defined his long career.

Greg Remsburg

Greg Remsburg appeared throughout Gold Rush’s early seasons, working with both the Hoffman crew and Parker Schnabel’s team between 2011 and 2015. Known for his mechanical knowledge and steady performance, he contributed to multiple operations during the show’s formative years. During Season 4, he mistakenly discarded a batch of pay dirt that was later found to contain gold—a documented incident that created on-site tension with Parker Schnabel. While media reports have linked this to strained relations within the crew, there is no verified evidence that it directly led to his exit. His last regular appearances occurred during Season 5.

After leaving the show, Remsburg returned home to Oregon, where he shifted his focus from television mining to industrial project management and process improvement. According to his LinkedIn profile, Remsburg currently serves as a Safety Specialist for PGR Consulting (May 2024 – present) in Vancouver, Washington. His role centers on industrial safety, employee engagement, and Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) compliance, where he oversees onboarding, stakeholder management, and power generation safety protocols. Previously, he worked at Absci, first as a Facilities Technician (Dec 2020 – May 2022) and later as a Facilities Logistics Specialist (May 2022 – Sep 2023). In these positions, he managed construction logistics, OSHA compliance, preventive maintenance, and leadership development across facility operations. Based in Sandy, Oregon, he continues to apply his engineering and process‑improvement expertise to large‑scale projects in the industrial and construction sectors. Though no longer in front of the cameras, Greg remains active in the mining and construction community, occasionally engaging with fans online and reflecting on his years in the goldfields.

“Dakota” Fred Hurt

Fred “Dakota” Hurt became a prominent figure on Gold Rush for his experience and long background in mining and diving. A former commercial diver and contractor from Minot, North Dakota, Hurt joined the series in its second season and later established his own mining team, the Dakota Boys, after leaving the Hoffman crew. His focus on underwater and hillside placer mining methods distinguished his operations from others on the show.

After leaving the main series, Fred and his son Dustin launched the Discovery spin‑off Gold Rush: White Water in 2018. The show focused on high‑risk suction‑dredge mining in Alaska’s remote McKinley Creek, where father and son battled freezing waters and treacherous conditions to extract gold from bedrock crevices. Hurt’s leadership and tough, no‑nonsense style made him a defining figure of the franchise’s second era.

In March 2023, Hurt publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer, sharing the news on Facebook and thanking fans for their support. Despite the illness, he continued appearing in White Water until his health declined. Fred passed away on July 11, 2023, at the age of 80, surrounded by family. Discovery Channel confirmed his death in an official tribute post, calling him “a man who lived life on his own terms.”

Hurt’s legacy continues through his son Dustin, who leads ongoing seasons of Gold Rush: White Water and carries forward the Dakota Boys’ fearless approach to mining. Fred is remembered as one of Gold Rush’s toughest and most determined miners—an adventurer whose grit and craftsmanship left a lasting mark on the series and the gold‑mining world.

Dustin Hurt

Seasons Active: 2–4 (main show), White Water 2018–present
Last Appearance: Ongoing

Dustin Hurt, the son of the late Fred “Dakota” Hurt, first appeared on Gold Rush during Seasons 2–4, working alongside his father and the Hoffman crew before focusing full-time on his own mining pursuits. A former firefighter from Anchorage, Alaska, Dustin later became the co‑creator and lead of the Discovery spin‑off Gold Rush: White Water (2018–2025). The show follows his team as they perform high‑risk suction‑dredge mining in Alaska’s remote McKinley and Nugget Creek locations, where divers recover gold from riverbeds beneath dangerous white‑water currents.

Following Fred’s passing in July 2023, Dustin addressed his father’s death during an emotional on‑camera moment in Gold Rush: White Water. In the episode, he confirmed that Fred had passed away peacefully after battling cancer and reflected on how his father’s spirit and mentorship had shaped their shared journey. Dustin expressed gratitude for the experiences they shared and vowed to keep the operation going in Fred’s honor—leading the crew to finish the season and dedicate their largest gold haul to him. He led the series through its ninth season, which aired in July 2025, marking the end of his 14‑year gold‑hunting run at the Nugget Creek claim. In the season finale, the crew recovered a nugget valued at roughly $10,000, alongside smaller finds worth several thousand more. However, due to weather challenges and logistical costs, Dustin announced plans to step away from the site, citing that Nugget Creek had reached its limit. While closing the chapter on that claim, he reaffirmed his commitment to future gold‑prospecting ventures and new mining locations beyond Alaska.

Outside of television, Dustin operates his own mining business and serves as both a producer and crew leader. He continues to explore new claims across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, though he maintains a low profile and does not use social media. While Gold Rush: White Water is currently listed as on hiatus following Season 9, Discovery has left open the possibility of new projects under Dustin’s leadership. His career now reflects a transition from diver to producer and entrepreneur—bridging his father’s legacy with a new era of adventure mining.

Parker Schnabel’s Early Crew (Chris Doumitt, Rick Ness, and others)

While Parker remains on the show, several of his early crew members have gone on to pursue their own paths. Chris Doumitt, who originally joined the Hoffman crew as a carpenter before transitioning to Parker’s team in Season 4, continues to mine independently and has appeared intermittently in later seasons as part of Parker’s expanded operations. IMDb credits list him as a recurring cast member from 2011 through 2025, reflecting his long-term association with the series.

Rick Ness, who started as a key member of Parker’s crew and later became foreman at Scribner Creek during Season 6, launched his own mining operation in the spin-off Gold Rush: Rick Ness Returns. His independent venture began in Season 9, where he led a new crew at Indian River. After Season 12, Rick took a brief hiatus from the show to focus on personal recovery and mental health following the loss of his mother. He officially announced his return in 2023 for Gold Rush Season 14, marking a major comeback that reestablished him as a regular cast member. He continued to appear regularly through Season 15 (2024–2025), featuring in episodes such as Greed Is Good, Vegas Baby!, and The Last Dance, showcasing a fully rebuilt crew and renewed operation at his Vegas Valley claim. Rick remains an active miner, operating independently while maintaining a full-time role on the series.

Melody Tallis

Seasons Active: 3–4
Last Appearance: 2014

Melody Tallis was one of the few women to appear in Gold Rush’s early years, joining Fred and Dustin Hurt’s Dakota Boys crew at the Jim Nail Placer Mine on Porcupine Creek during Seasons 3–4. Before television, she had spent years prospecting in Alaska and developing her skills as a heavy‑equipment operator and site manager. Her practical mining knowledge and composed presence helped establish her as a respected member of the Dakota Boys team.

Following her departure from Gold Rush, Melody returned to professional mining and later transitioned into industrial operations work. According to her Facebook page, she currently serves as a manager at Amrize Aggregates and previously worked as an independent contractor in Alaska. She studied at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and now resides in Prescott, Arizona, though she remains connected to Alaska’s mining community through ongoing projects and friendships with fellow miners.

On X (formerly Twitter), where she posts under @GoldrushMelody, Melody occasionally shares updates about mining, her former castmates, and personal reflections. In July 2023, she paid tribute to the late Fred Hurt, writing, “It was because of Fred that I had one incredible experience,” alongside a photo of the Dakota Boys crew. In July 2022, Melody revealed she was preparing for surgery, asking followers for prayers and expressing determination to return to work within months. Later that year, she shared brief recovery updates and thanked friends and fellow miners for their encouragement, demonstrating her continued connection to the mining community. Her timeline shows that while she’s stepped away from television, she continues to balance her industrial career with mining interests and community involvement.

James Harness

Seasons Active: 1–2
Last Appearance: 2012

James Harness served as the Hoffman crew’s mechanic during Gold Rush’s first two seasons, where his mechanical ingenuity kept the operation running through breakdowns and harsh Alaskan conditions. A skilled fabricator and problem‑solver, he often built or repaired critical equipment under pressure despite chronic back pain stemming from an earlier car accident.

After leaving the show in 2012, Harness reportedly continued to face serious health challenges related to his injury. Lacking access to adequate medical care and struggling with financial setbacks, he endured ongoing pain and dependence on medication. Harness passed away in June 2014, at the age of 57.

Jimmy Dorsey

Seasons Active: 1
Last Appearance: 2011

Jimmy Dorsey appeared in Gold Rush’s debut season as one of the original Hoffman crew members at Porcupine Creek. Before joining the show, Dorsey had a background in real estate and music, working as a realtor in Oregon since 1999 and performing locally as a guitarist. On the series, he was often portrayed as one of the less‑experienced miners, facing physical exhaustion and tension with other crew members.

Dorsey left the show midway through Season 1 following disputes and mounting stress, later claiming in interviews that production pressure and harsh conditions contributed to his departure. In a 2011 interview with the Bend Source, he reflected on his “wild ride” with the reality series, calling it a learning experience that tested his patience and endurance. Despite the challenges, he said the show opened new opportunities in business and entertainment.

After leaving Gold Rush, Dorsey returned full‑time to real estate and entrepreneurship. According to his professional bio, he continues to operate Jimmy Dorsey Real Estate in Oregon, where he markets himself as both a realtor and entertainment professional with experience in mining and television. He occasionally gives interviews about the show’s early days, offering candid reflections on the production’s growing pains and the realities of small‑scale gold mining in Alaska.

Gene Cheeseman

Seasons Active: 4–10
Last Appearance: 2020

Gene Cheeseman joined Gold Rush in Season 4 as the foreman of Parker Schnabel’s crew at Scribner Creek, where he gained recognition for his exceptional skill and precision in heavy machinery operations. A lifelong Alaskan with deep mining roots—his great‑great‑grandfather mined in Alaska during the late 1800s—Cheeseman brought decades of heavy construction and earth‑moving experience to the show. His efficiency and technical expertise were instrumental in turning Parker’s early operation into one of the most productive in the series.

After several successful seasons with Parker, Cheeseman joined Tony Beets’ team, where he managed dredge and mechanical operations at Eureka Creek. His transition highlighted his versatility and leadership across different mining setups, further establishing his standing as one of Gold Rush’s most dependable foremen.

Cheeseman’s primary run lasted through Season 7 (2016–2017), after which he took a step back from full‑time filming. He appeared through archival footage in Season 8 (2018), including Gold Rush: Parker v Beets, and was not featured in Season 9 aside from recap references. In 2019, Cheeseman briefly returned in Season 10, credited in episodes such as Parker Doubles Down, Rebellion at Duncan Creek, and Bring in the Big Guns. These marked his final active appearances on the show.

Since departing from television, Cheeseman has continued to work in Alaska’s construction and heavy‑equipment industries, focusing on infrastructure development and site management. Although no longer in front of the camera, he remains a respected professional within Alaska’s mining and construction community, known for his problem‑solving ability, mechanical expertise, and contributions to the efficiency and safety standards seen during Gold Rush’s peak years.

Tony Beets’ Family Crew (Monica, Mike, and Kevin)

Tony Beets’ family has been a core part of Gold Rush since the show’s early years, with each of his children—Monica, Mike, and Kevin—playing key roles in the Beets mining dynasty based in the Yukon. While Tony remains one of the show’s most prominent figures, his children’s involvement has evolved as they’ve taken on new responsibilities both on and off camera.

Monica Beets joined the series as a teenager, quickly becoming one of the youngest female miners featured on television. She grew up in the Yukon mining camps under Tony Beets’ mentorship and began operating heavy equipment at age 12. By 18, she had become a supervisor at the family’s Paradise Hill claim, managing crews and overseeing excavation and wash plant operations. Over the years, Monica has also worked at the Clear Creek site and on the Viking Dredge alongside her father and brothers. In 2021, she announced on Facebook that she was expecting her first child, taking a step back from full‑time mining to focus on family life. Her daughter, Jasmine Mayes, was born in May 2021.

Monica is married to Taylor Mayes, and the couple wed on August 11, 2018, in Dawson City, Yukon. Their outdoor wedding—featured on Gold Rush—included close family and friends, with Monica wearing a white lace gown and Tony Beets visibly emotional as he watched her say “Hell, yeah” during the vows. Jasmine, the first grandchild of Tony and Minnie Beets, occasionally appears in family photos shared online. In 2022 and 2023, Monica posted images of Jasmine spending time at the Paradise Hill site, sitting inside excavators with her mother and grandfather, captioned “Working is a family event.” She has also mentioned building a home in the Yukon with Taylor and balancing mining work with family life. In addition to her family, Monica often features her longtime dog Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein, adopted from the Humane Society Dawson in 2013, who remains a constant companion at home and on-site. Monica continues to participate in Beets family operations as a regular part of the mining crew, frequently appearing in recent Gold Rush seasons and actively operating heavy equipment at Paradise Hill and other Beets claims. She remains a licensed heavy‑equipment operator and a consistent on‑screen presence, balancing her mining duties with family life.

Kevin Beets, born June 10, 1988, is the eldest son of Tony Beets and one of the most technically skilled members of the Beets mining team. From his teenage years, Kevin worked alongside his father at the Paradise Hill and Clear Creek sites in the Yukon, developing extensive expertise in heavy‑equipment operation, plant management, and dredge logistics. Over the years, he has become known for his calm leadership and ability to solve complex mechanical issues under pressure. He has managed multiple wash plants and led dredge restoration projects, appearing regularly on Gold Rush and in the 2021 spin‑off Gold Rush: Winter’s Fortune. Beyond television, Kevin manages on‑site operations for the Beets’ Tamarack Inc. mining enterprise, overseeing day‑to‑day production, site logistics, and machinery maintenance. By the 2024‑25 season, Discovery listings credited him for overseeing production totals surpassing 1,000 oz of gold for the family operation. His ongoing involvement in both television and active mining has established him as one of the most experienced technical leaders within the Beets family business.

Mike Beets, Tony’s middle son, has been a key part of the Beets mining operation since the family joined Gold Rush. He earned the nickname “modern-day Viking” for his long hair, quiet confidence, and strength on site. Mike has appeared in more than 150 episodes since 2015, working at the Paradise Hill and Clear Creek claims. According to Discovery’s official profile, he began mining at 13 and now manages equipment transport and site setup for the family business. He has also appeared in the 2021 spin-off Gold Rush: Winter’s Fortune as a plant manager. In addition to mining, Mike has pursued construction work and equipment contracting in the Yukon, occasionally overseeing wash plant logistics and assisting Tony with dredge maintenance. Though his appearances on television have become less frequent in recent seasons, he continues to work independently while staying connected to Beets family operations, often returning during peak mining periods or major equipment moves.

As of 2025, Tony Beets continues to lead one of the most productive mining operations in the Yukon, with his children contributing in varying capacities. Their ongoing but flexible involvement reflects the evolution of the Beets family legacy—balancing generational transition, business growth, and personal priorities while keeping the Beets name firmly rooted in Gold Rush history.

John Schnabel

Seasons Active: 1–6 (guest)
Last Appearance: 2016

John Schnabel was more than Parker Schnabel’s grandfather—he was the moral anchor of Gold Rush and one of the most beloved figures in the show’s history. Born in 1920 in Kansas, Schnabel moved to Haines, Alaska at 19, where he worked in sawmills and logging before purchasing the Big Nugget Mine in the 1980s. His lifelong work ethic and passion for mining would later inspire his grandson to follow in his footsteps.

John made his first appearance in Season 1, introducing audiences to the Big Nugget Mine and sharing lessons on gold mining and perseverance. His calm demeanor and wisdom stood in contrast to the chaos of younger crews, earning him fan admiration and respect throughout the series. He continued appearing intermittently through Season 6, mentoring Parker as the young miner transitioned from helper to claim owner.

John Schnabel passed away on March 18, 2016, at age 96, in Haines, Alaska. His passing was commemorated in a Discovery Channel special, Remembering John Schnabel, which celebrated his life, legacy, and influence on generations of miners. The episode featured Parker reflecting that his grandfather had “taught him everything he knew” about mining and leadership.

Before his death, Schnabel was named Mayor of Haines twice, reflecting his deep ties to the local community. Beyond television, he was remembered as a devoted family man, World War II veteran, and entrepreneur whose mentorship shaped Parker’s future success.

Even years later, his legacy remains central to Gold Rush—his presence often invoked in Parker’s storylines and flashbacks as the foundation of the Schnabel family’s enduring commitment to mining.

Jim Thurber

Jim Thurber first appeared on Gold Rush as part of Todd Hoffman’s original crew, serving as the camp safety officer. Before joining the show, Thurber worked as a sheet-metal fabricator and raced motocross, trades that shaped his hands-on work ethic. After Todd’s crew departed Gold Rush following Season 8, Thurber re-emerged in the 2022 Discovery spin-off Hoffman Family Gold, where he continued to play an active role in mining operations.

As of late 2025, Hoffman Family Gold has not aired new episodes and appears to be on extended hiatus rather than fully cancelled. While Discovery has not issued an official renewal or cancellation notice, Thurber remains publicly identified as part of the Hoffman crew through social media and past cast listings. His Facebook profile identifies him as a “Gold Miner at Discovery” and notes that he currently resides in Portland, Oregon, originally from Boring, Oregon. Thurber continues to share posts from Oregon and the Yukon, maintaining contact with fans and showing that he remains active in the gold mining community. One post even shows him being recognized as an honorary sheriff of Klickitat County for his dedication to veterans and community service.

Andy Spinks

Andy Spinks worked alongside Todd Hoffman’s crew as a heavy‑equipment operator and mechanic, appearing in Gold Rush< Seasons 3 through 7. Known for his technical precision and calm leadership, he often handled complex machinery repairs that kept the Hoffman operations functional during the show’s early years.

After his television appearances, Andy remained close to the mining and heavy‑equipment industry. IMDb credits him as mine foreman in Hoffman Family Gold (2022–2024), and in 2024 he and the Hoffman crew were announced as North American ambassadors for TrackGrip, a heavy‑equipment traction and safety company. His verified Facebook profile lists him as a digital creator based in Oregon, married to Gina Leszar Spinks. Facebook posts from October 2025 show Andy sharing a repost from Big Dawg Logging & Firewood, a company based in Elgin, Oregon. The repost featured excavator operations during logging and land‑clearing work, highlighting his continued interest in heavy equipment and field operations.

These updates indicate that Andy continues to work hands‑on in excavation and equipment operation, balancing family life in Oregon while occasionally staying connected to the wider mining community.

Fred Lewis

Fred Lewis, a former U.S. Army Green Beret and Special Forces medic, made his first appearance on Gold Rush in Season 10 (2020) as part of Parker Schnabel’s crew before launching his own venture, Misfits Mining. Known for his disciplined approach and leadership skills, Lewis aimed to create opportunities for fellow veterans transitioning to civilian life.

His journey was later featured in Gold Rush: Winter’s Fortune (2021) and subsequent seasons of Gold Rush, where he faced repeated challenges—from equipment breakdowns to fluctuating gold yields. Despite limited mining success, Fred’s determination and advocacy for veterans earned him respect among viewers.

After Season 13 (2022–2023), Fred’s on-screen presence on Gold Rush declined significantly. IMDb lists him in just one episode of Season 14, aligning with fan reports that his time on the show was winding down. In a 2024 Instagram comment, Fred told followers he wouldn’t be returning for future seasons, inviting them instead to follow his activities on YouTube and social media.

Since stepping away from television, Fred has built a new chapter that reflects his versatility and adaptability. In 2025, his Instagram posts reveal that he now works for Amazon in a health and safety role, where he helps employees maintain fitness and mental well-being. He described the job as a “softer side of medicine,” marking a meaningful shift from his combat and mining background.

At the same time, Fred continues to experiment with survival-based projects, including learning distillation techniques with guidance from Moonshiner Josh and Mile High Distilling. He has posted images of his home setup and shared updates on crafting hand sanitizer and fruit-based spirits as part of what he calls his “survival tool belt.” These ventures demonstrate his hands-on curiosity and ongoing interest in practical skills beyond mining.

Fred’s 2025 Instagram timeline also captures his commitment to health and veteran advocacy. In May, he participated in a 5K trail run in North Carolina, dedicating the event to fallen veterans and sharing a heartfelt message about resilience and mental health. He continues to post motivational reflections on PTSD recovery and mental wellness, alongside lighthearted family moments with his wife Khara Lewis and their dogs.

Logan Pierce

Logan Pierce appeared on Gold Rush from Seasons 3 through 8 (2012–2018) as part of Parker Schnabel’s crew, where he became known for his steady composure and precise work with heavy machinery. Over time, he established himself as one of Parker’s most dependable operators before leaving the series to pursue new career directions.

Following his television departure, Logan built a new life in Oregon. His verified Instagram account (@logybearz) identifies him as a licensed real estate broker in Gresham, Oregon, affiliated with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest. In addition to real estate, his social media posts reveal that he also trained as a firefighter, following in the footsteps of his father, Donald Pierce, who retired after 30 years of service. In a 2022 post, Logan shared his pride in joining the fire service and thanked his father for inspiring the transition.

Personal milestones are also part of his recent updates. Logan became engaged to his partner, Kristin, in October 2023, sharing photos from Phuket, Thailand, and later celebrated their wedding in early 2024. The couple continues to live in Oregon, where Logan balances his work in real estate and firefighting.

From operating gold wash plants in the Klondike to building a civilian career in property and public service, Logan’s path reflects a grounded evolution — one that bridges the discipline of mining with the community focus of his post-TV professions.

Karla Ann Charlton

Karla Ann Charlton, a Canadian survivalist and professional wilderness guide from Vernon, British Columbia, gained recognition on Gold Rush and its spin-off Gold Rush: Parker’s Trail between 2017 and 2021, with her final credited appearance in Season 11 (2021). Over the course of 52 episodes, she became known as Parker Schnabel’s expedition safety officer and logistics coordinator, specializing in avalanche safety, wilderness first aid, and back-country navigation. Her expertise and calm approach made her one of the most respected crew members of the Parker era, earning her a dedicated fan following among viewers of the Discovery series.

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After departing the show, Karla redirected her focus toward adventure tourism and environmental education. Her Instagram profile (@karla__ann) identifies her as the founder of Karla Ann Adventures, a guiding company that runs custom expeditions across the Yukon, British Columbia, and Alaska. She frequently shares content featuring mountain treks, snowboarding routes, and avalanche‑rescue training sessions, showing her continued involvement in wilderness safety and eco‑tourism. Her credentials include avalanche‑awareness certification, wilderness first‑aid training, and more than a decade of backcountry experience.

Since leaving Gold Rush, Karla has expanded her work to include collaborations with outdoor brands and conservation projects. She uses her growing social‑media presence to advocate for sustainable exploration, environmental protection, and women’s leadership in adventure sports. Based in Canada, she leads seasonal tours and teaches safety workshops while supporting climate‑awareness initiatives and northern ecosystem preservation.

Carl Rosk

Carl Rosk, originally from British Columbia, is regarded as one of the most skilled heavy‑equipment operators and mechanics to have worked in the Klondike. Before joining Gold Rush, he had experience in both professional dirt biking and heavy‑machinery maintenance, which made him an invaluable part of Parker Schnabel’s team. On the show, he became known for his ability to repair and rebuild critical equipment under pressure, earning respect from fellow miners and fans alike.

In 2021, Carl Rosk disclosed on Gold Rush that he required surgery after doctors discovered tumours in his lung and spine. Although serious, the condition was later described as benign, and he stepped away from full-time mining to focus on recovery. During that time, Carl thanked fans and colleagues for their support but has since kept his medical details private.

Following his recovery, Carl maintained a lower public profile but stayed active within the Yukon mining community. While no longer a regular cast member, he is known to consult on equipment and mechanical projects and occasionally supports smaller operations near his home.

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In April 2023, Carl Rosk posted a tribute to his longtime golden retriever, Champ, describing him as his loyal companion and best friend. The post drew hundreds of condolences from fellow miners and fans. Later that year, Carl began sharing new photos and clips showing his return to the field—repairing excavators and working around Yukon mining sites.

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By early 2024, his activity increased as he documented trips between the Yukon and northern British Columbia. In June 2024, he shared a reunion photo with former Gold Rush colleagues Brennan Ruault and cameraman Chad Paullus, reaffirming his connection to the show’s production team. Around this period, Carl also uploaded footage of snowmobiling in Keno Hill, reflecting his renewed engagement with outdoor work and recreation.

As of 2025, Carl’s Instagram account has been inactive since mid‑2024, with his final post showing a reunion alongside former Gold Rush colleagues. While he has not shared further updates, earlier activity from 2023 to mid‑2024 documented his steady recovery and return to light fieldwork across the Yukon and northern British Columbia. Carl continues to maintain close ties with the Gold Rush community and is believed to be active in mechanical consulting and small‑scale mining projects, while focusing on health, family, and a quieter off‑camera life.

Stuart McKenzie

Stuart McKenzie, a U.S. Army veteran and former recon-scout sniper, joined Gold Rush as part of Fred Lewis’s veteran-led crew during Seasons 11 through 13 (2020–2023). He appeared in over 40 episodes and was widely recognized for his mechanical and welding skills that kept the team’s equipment running in demanding conditions. Before entering mining, McKenzie served in the 1-32nd Infantry, 10th Mountain Division, completing over 150 sniper missions in Iraq before later working as a firefighter and private security contractor with Blackwater and Triple Canopy.

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In October 2024, Stuart shared an Instagram post confirming that he and Fred Lewis would be teaming up for the 2025 Vortex Mammoth Sniper Challenge as part of “Team Grunt Style,” an event supporting U.S. veterans and marksmanship training. The post emphasized their continued collaboration and commitment to veteran advocacy outside television. The team’s involvement will also be featured on Grunt Style and Mammoth social channels throughout 2025.

As of 2025, Stuart’s Instagram (@stuartmckenzie_01) highlights his focus on family life with his wife Jamie and daughter Halo, along with his career in firefighting and mechanical consulting. He has not announced plans to return to Gold Rush, but remains engaged in veteran support projects and training events. His post-show journey reflects a continued dedication to discipline, service, and technical expertise beyond the mining industry.

Ryan Hofer

Ryan Hofer, a North Dakota native and skilled mechanic, appeared on Gold Rush from Seasons 9 through 10 (2018–2020). Born on November 8, 1978, in Minot, North Dakota, Hofer brought more than two decades of experience in fabrication, repair, and heavy-equipment operation to Fred Lewis’s veteran mining team. His calm professionalism and methodical problem-solving earned him respect among both crew members and fans.

Before joining Gold Rush, Ryan worked extensively in mechanical fabrication and industrial maintenance across the Midwest. His practical background made him an essential part of the Misfits Mining crew, particularly during the early, challenging Alaskan operations where he often assisted in setting up and maintaining heavy machinery.

After departing the series, Ryan transitioned back to private mechanical and industrial work in North Dakota. Posts from his Twitter account (@GoldRushRyan) offer rare glimpses into his post-show life. In 2020, he shared photos from Theodore Roosevelt National Park, highlighting time spent with his wife — an Air Force veteran — and their son. A later post from November 2020 celebrated Veterans Day, where Ryan paid tribute to his wife’s military service. These updates show his focus on family life and appreciation for his spouse’s continued contribution to the armed forces.

Through late 2020 and early 2021, Ryan shared photos from his work in heavy-equipment repair, including a 1979 Mack Superliner wrecker he dubbed “Le Big Mack,” which he described as one of his favorite projects. In early 2021, he also posted images of an emergency response scene involving structural damage, confirming his involvement in local mechanical and safety-related work. These updates reflected a shift from television mining toward hands-on technical projects and community engagement.

Since 2021, Ryan has maintained a low public profile with limited social activity, but his posts suggest that he continues to reside in North Dakota, balancing family life and professional work in mechanical repair and fabrication. As of 2025, while not publicly linked to new mining operations, Ryan remains respected among Gold Rush fans for his steady presence and practical expertise during the show’s formative years.