Beyond the Wilderness: The Untold Stories of ‘Mountain Men’ Stars Who Have Left the Show

In North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountain, Freedom Camp Circle right here, Eustace Conway is getting closer to realizing his dream. But if he’s going to turn Turtle Island into a place where people can gather and learn, he’s still got a lot of work to do. For over a decade, Mountain Men has taken audiences on a journey into the rugged wilderness, showing the lives of individuals who embrace the challenges of self-sufficiency.

 However, with such a demanding lifestyle also comes hardship. And unfortunately, some of these beloved cast members have not been able to keep up. Join us as we tell you about the cast members of Mountain Men who are no longer on the show. Jason Hawk was one of the most well-known faces of Mountain Men.

 Admired for his blacksmithing skills and rugged lifestyle in the remote regions of Arizona. Hunting is constant. You’re always hunting for something. Whether it’s a good deal on something, something you can make into something else, even hunting down a new idea on how to do something. But out here, when you’re trompling through these woods, you’re always harvesting.

With his signature wide-brimmed hat and a determined spirit, Jason embodied the essence of self-reliance. He first appeared on Mountain Men in season 5 and quickly became a fan favorite. Jason’s love for the wilderness was evident in every episode. His ability to forge tools and weapons from raw materials was astonishing.

 Viewers were often amazed by his ability to craft everything from knives to intricate metal works, all while living in the unforgiving desert environment. His respect for nature and deep connection to traditional survival methods set him apart. Sadly, in 2021, Jason was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, a devastating blow for someone so full of life.

 His diagnosis took a physical and emotional toll on him. Despite the grueling treatments, Jason’s health deteriorated rapidly, and the financial strain of medical expenses added to his struggles. His fans rallied behind him, supporting a GoFundMe page set up by his wife, Mary, to help with his mounting bills.

 Jason is still fighting valiantly against the illness. Due to his health, Jason couldn’t continue with the show, but the Mountain Men fans are always there to send him any kind of support he needs. Another heartbreaking loss from Mountain Men was the OG member from season 1, Preston Roberts. He was a close friend and right-hand man to Eustace Conway.

 Preston was a highly skilled woodsman and educator dedicated to passing on his knowledge of nature and survival techniques. His bond with Eustace was a key aspect of the show as the two worked together on Turtle Island Preserve. I think I just broke a big chunk loose. I heard it move past. Yeah, I can hear it. I got water. Yeah.

 Now that we got the water flowing again, it should bring us back some power. Let’s try it out and see what we get. A wilderness education center that taught people about sustainable living. Preston’s warm personality and deep wisdom made him a standout on the show. Whether he was building a structure or offering words of wisdom, he was always a comforting presence.

 Unfortunately, in 2017, Preston was diagnosed with an inoperable liver tumor. Within weeks of his diagnosis, he passed away at the age of 60. His passing was a tremendous loss not only for mountain men but for the entire community he had touched with his teachings and kindness. Preston’s influence extended beyond his work with Eustace.

 He was a mentor to many and believed in preserving traditional skills that were slowly fading away in the modern world. Fans of the show continue to remember his infectious laughter and gentle spirit. George Misho, who came in season 2, was a skilled trapper and outdoorsman who appeared on Mountain Men. He showed his ability to survive in the harsh wilderness of Idaho.

 Known for his deep respect for Native American traditions and sustainable trapping methods, George was a symbol of the old ways of living off the land. George’s life was dedicated to the wild. He lived in a remote cabin using his knowledge of trapping and animal behavior to sustain himself. He shared invaluable lessons about conservation and the delicate balance between humans and nature.

 His teachings helped many understand the ethics behind trapping and living off the land in a responsible manner. George was known for his resourcefulness, often repurposing materials to create useful tools for his daily life. His respect for nature was unparalleled, and he followed a strict ethical code when it came to hunting and trapping.

 In 2017, George’s wife passed away. His family confirmed that she peacefully passed away in her sleep. After that, George lives a totally secluded lifestyle and has no aspirations of coming in front of the camera. Morgan Beasley was another beloved cast member of Mountain Men who lived an adventurous and rugged life from season 4 to season 8 on the show.

Here, I just need to attach some uh some boards to all these logs so those logs stay put when I’m sawing them out. There we go. Those are pretty well locked in together. I think I’ve done all the preparation I can do and uh now I just got to go ahead and cut the hole. With a deep passion for homesteading and living off the grid, Morgan’s lifestyle was one of complete independence.

 He built his own cabin, grew his own food, and relied on nature for survival. His extensive knowledge of the wild and commitment to self-reliance made him a fan favorite. Unfortunately, Morgan’s life was cut short when he tragically passed away in 2023. His death was a great loss to the mountainman community.

 His influence lives on in the homesteading community, inspiring many to pursue a simpler and more self-sufficient way of life. Kyle Bell, who appeared on season 3 and four, was known for his deep knowledge of hunting and wilderness survival. He appeared on Mountain Men alongside his son Ben, and the duo showed a strong bond while tackling the challenges of the wild.

 Living in the harsh environment of New Mexico, Kyle specialized in tracking and hunting, skills he passed on to his son. Sadly, Kyle Bell passed away due to health complications. Today, his legacy continues through his son who carries on his father’s passion for the wilderness and survival skills. Tom Griffin was a master craftsman and backcountry expert who played an essential role in Mountain Men.

 His ability to construct sturdy shelters and tools from natural materials was remarkable. Tom had a passion for self-sufficiency and spent years living off the grid away from modern conveniences. Tom passed away in early 2024 after a prolonged battle with illness. His contributions to the world of primitive survival and homesteading are deeply cherished by those who knew him.

 Fans of mountain men will always admire his way of living an independent lifestyle. Tom our became one of the most known faces of mountain men. He knew how to survive in the harsh wilderness of Montana. With his calm demeanor, exceptional trapping skills, and profound respect for nature, Tom quickly gained the admiration of viewers.

 He first appeared on the show in season 1 and became a staple of the series. Admired for his deep connection to the land. We’ve just got one shot at this and and that’s it. We can ruin this whole project. And his rugged self-sufficiency. Known for his secluded lifestyle, Tom lived in a remote cabin with his wife Nancy in the wilds of Montana, where he depended on traditional methods for survival.

 His mastery in trapping, hunting, and living off the grid made him a standout on mountain men. He was a symbol of what it meant to live a life free of modern luxuries, relying solely on nature’s resources. However, as Tom grew older, the physical toll of living such a demanding life in the wilderness began to take its toll.

 In recent years, Tom made the difficult decision to step back from the show. He wanted to focus on his health and enjoy a more private life away from the cameras. Though he no longer appears on Mountain Men, Tom remains very much alive and continues to live in the Montana wilderness, far removed from the public eye, fans of the show still remember him for his grit, wisdom, and the quiet strength he displayed.

 Even as he chose to step away from the spotlight, all the fans who watch Mountain continue to honor the memory of those who lived and breathed the wilderness. Their legacies will keep on inspiring future generations who dream of living a simpler, more self-sufficient life in the wild.