Hey Barry, Rick Ness here. I’ve got rocks rolling back—yeah, oh yeah, no, that’d be great. Like they’re going to get in a truck right now, come out to the site, and help me deal with this. Hopefully, they get here with the solutions and get running 300 yards an hour.
In the glittering world of gold mining, where dreams of striking it rich collide with the harsh realities of nature and human perseverance, one man’s journey stands out amidst the dust and dirt. Rick Ness, a familiar face to fans of Discovery Channel’s hit series Gold Rush, has a unique path in the rugged terrain of Alaska and in the hearts of viewers worldwide.
But behind the scenes of his on-screen adventures lies a tale of personal struggle and tragedy that has shaped Rick into the man he is today. So, without any further ado, let’s get into the details of the tragic life of Rick Ness from Gold Rush.
Rick’s crew has mined all of the pay dirt at Duncan Creek. They clean up Monster Red Sluices for the last time this season. It’s definitely weird to be doing the last cleanup of the year. Born on March 5, 1981, in Michigan, Rick’s journey to success was not without its twists and turns.
Raised in Michigan, Rick gained valuable experience working for his father’s construction company, honing his skills with machinery that would later prove invaluable in his mining career. Despite dreaming of a career in professional football, a head injury after high school redirected his path, leading him to pursue new opportunities.
Rick’s life took a new turn when he moved to Milwaukee and immersed himself in the music scene, joining the 357 String Band as a bassist. Touring the world with the band, Rick showcased his musical talents globally. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Parker Schnabel, a meeting that would significantly influence his future in the gold mining industry.
Joining the cast of Gold Rush in Season 3, Rick quickly became a valuable team member, starting as an operator on the rock truck and excavator. His hard work and dedication caught Parker Schnabel’s eye, leading to a promotion to foreman, managing the Indian River operation. Rick demonstrated his leadership skills and expertise in the gold mining sector.
However, Rick’s journey on the show took an unexpected turn when he made a costly mistake that resulted in a $50,000 loss in wages for Parker. Determined to make amends, Rick decided to start his own mining crew in Season 9. This bold move proved to be a game changer, as Rick set a new show record for the most gold mined by a mine boss in his inaugural year.
Rick’s decision to lead his own crew marked a turning point, propelling him to remarkable success and leaving an enduring impact on the world of Gold Rush. Rick’s adept leadership and mining acumen steered his crew through demanding mining operations, resulting in substantial gold yields and solidifying their reputation as a formidable mining force. Their accomplishments not only cemented Rick’s position in the gold mining realm but also paved the way for future prospects and partnerships.
Rick’s success extends beyond gold mining, encompassing skills in songwriting, singing, finance, business development, and sales. His diverse skill set has been instrumental in his success in both the entertainment industry and entrepreneurial endeavors.
One of the primary sources of Rick Ness’s income is his salary from Gold Rush, where he reportedly earns around $25,000 per episode. Apart from his earnings from the show, Rick also earns income as a gold mine operator, leveraging his industry knowledge and experience. Rick’s primary source of wealth is his salary from Gold Rush, which accounts for approximately 60% of his net worth. His gold mining operations contribute to around 40% of his overall wealth.
Through diversifying his income streams, Rick has established a strong financial foundation that continues to grow over time, with an estimated net worth of $3 million as of 2023. In his personal life, Rick has found happiness in his relationship with Leese Marie, whom he recently got engaged to in October 2022. Their engagement signifies a new chapter in their relationship, and fans are excited to see what the future holds for the couple.
Rick endured significant hardships in his life, notably the loss of his mother to cancer in 2018. Her passing plunged him into a deep depression, which he candidly addressed during the show’s 13th season. He said that doctors think he has Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that affects people who have seasonal patterns in their work or lifestyles. This was hard for Rick to accept, as it meant losing interest in things he once enjoyed.
Despite his struggle, Rick found the strength to take a year off from work to focus on his mental health, a decision that meant stepping back from the competitive world of gold mining. Returning for Gold Rush Season 14, Rick embarked on a challenging journey to rebuild his mining business from the ground up. To fund his venture, he made the difficult choice to sell his late mother’s house. Rick also enlisted the help of his close friend Brian Z. Zerber as his partner. Starting with limited resources and secondhand equipment, Ness faced an uphill battle to reclaim his former success.
Throughout his struggles, he received support from his former boss and friend Parker Schnabel. Despite their competitive history, Schnabel voiced his belief in Ness’s resilience, calling him a survivor and encouraging others not to underestimate him. Schnabel, facing his own challenges in the new season, stood by Ness as he embarked on his journey to rebuild.
Ness’s experience highlighted the importance of recognizing one’s vulnerabilities and seeking help. He acknowledged that mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of their stature or success. By sharing his journey, Ness aimed to destigmatize mental health struggles and offer support to those who are suffering.
During the 14th season of Gold Rush, viewers noticed some changes in Rick Ness’s appearance, particularly his nose, sparking various speculations. These ranged from cosmetic surgery to potential diseases or traumas. However, there is no official confirmation or substantial evidence to support these claims. The alterations in Rick’s face could be attributed to natural factors such as aging, weight fluctuations, or lifestyle changes, but the exact cause remains unknown.
Rick has also encountered numerous physical hurdles throughout his mining career, notably a severe accident in the 10th season. The aftermath of this incident, including corrective jaw surgery and dental implants for tooth replacement, may have contributed to the observed changes in his face over time.
Rick’s mining career has also been subject to challenges. One of the primary hurdles he encounters is the unpredictable and harsh weather conditions in the mining industry. Weather plays a crucial role, as extreme conditions like heavy rain, snow, or storms can disrupt mining operations, causing delays and potential safety hazards. Despite these challenges, Rick has learned to adapt, employing strategies to mitigate the impact of adverse weather on his mining activities.
Technical issues with equipment are another common obstacle Rick faces. Mining equipment is complex and prone to malfunctions, which can lead to costly delays and repairs. Rick has had to deal with equipment glitches, from malfunctioning machinery to breakdowns, requiring quick thinking and problem-solving skills to keep his operations running smoothly.
Financial constraints also pose a challenge in the competitive world of gold mining. Securing funding for equipment, labor, and other operational expenses can be challenging, especially for smaller mining operations. Rick has had to navigate these financial challenges, often finding creative solutions to keep his mining ventures afloat.
The competitive nature of the mining industry adds another layer of difficulty for Rick, with other miners vying for the same precious gold. Competition is fierce, and Rick’s ability to stay focused and driven in the face of competition has been instrumental in his success.
Despite these obstacles, Rick’s unwavering commitment to his craft and his ability to adapt to challenging circumstances have allowed him to overcome these challenges. His resilience and determination make him a formidable force in the world of gold mining, ensuring that he continues to thrive despite the odds.
Today, Rick continues to pursue his passion for gold mining, aiming to expand his mining operations and explore new territories. His love for motorcycles, muscle cars, working out in the gym, and building his tattoo collection keeps him busy in his free time. With his determination, work ethic, and entrepreneurial spirit, Rick Ness is poised for continued success in gold mining and beyond. Whether through expanding his mining projects or pursuing his love for music, Rick remains dedicated to making his mark in multiple industries, solidifying his status as a dynamic and driven individual.
