Gold Rush: White Water star Dakota Fred Hurt dies at 80: The reality TV standout passed away after battling brain cancer for four months

Gold Rush: White Water has lost one of its finest stars.

Dakota Fred Hurt died at the age of 80 with loved ones by his side on Tuesday, his family shared in a statement this week.

The Discovery star passed away after a short battle with brain cancer, it was shared. He was diagnosed only four months ago.

He started off on the show Gold Rush then landed his own spinoff Gold Rush: White Water which ran from 2018 until 2023. He also appeared on Gold Rush: South America and Gold Rush: The Legend of Porcupine Creek.

His last post was from the 4th Of July where he looked healthy during a parade. 

The heartfelt family statement was posted to Facebook. ‘“Dakota” Fred Hurt passed away this morning surrounded by family,’ began the note as the family shared an image of him smiling from ear to ear while in the great outdoors.

Like father like son: Here he is seen right with his son who was also on the hit TV show

The cast: He started off on the show Gold Rush then landed his own spinoff Gold Rush: White Water (pictured)

It was added, ‘He fought courageously in his battle against cancer. Fred touched many lives and was loved and supported by many.’

The post also made it clear where they would like donations sent. 

‘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.’

And the passage finished with: ‘Please note that this is the only donation request from Fred’s family.’

His show Gold Rush: White Water was an instant hit.

Golden boy: The heartfelt family statement was posted to Facebook. ‘“Dakota” Fred Hurt passed away this morning surrounded by family,’ began the note as the family shared an image of him smiling from ear to ear while in the great outdoors

Hard turn: He died from brain cancer. It was added, ‘He fought courageously in his battle against cancer. Fred touched many lives and was loved and supported by many’

The show: The synopsis reads: ‘Dustin Hurt and his crew gamble it all on gold claims deeper in the Alaskan wilderness than ever before. ‘Surviving and thriving in the hostile terrain requires true grit and nerves of steel as they learn to take on everything Mother Nature throws at them’

It was about finding gold in Alaska under difficult circumstances.

The synopsis reads: ‘Dustin Hurt and his crew gamble it all on gold claims deeper in the Alaskan wilderness than ever before. 

‘Surviving and thriving in the hostile terrain requires true grit and nerves of steel as they learn to take on everything Mother Nature throws at them.’ 

Assisted by a team of divers, mountaineers and bush mechanics, the Dakota Boys explore the white water rapids of McKinley Creek in Alaska, diving deep in raging torrents with a suction dredge. 

The dangers they faced included wild animals, extreme temperatures and hypothermia.