The Last Alaskans star Bob Harte has died after cancer battle

We have some sad news to report as Bob Harte, beloved stars of The Last Alaskans on Discovery, has died.

The announcement came via the show’s Facebook page earlier today:

It is with a heavy heart that we announce Bob Harte has passed away. He was a beloved member of the Discovery family and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

There are no details about Bob’s passing, but as viewers of the show know, he has been battling cancer — a battle that forced him to leave Alaska for treatment in the lower 48.

In the 1970s, Bob Harte left New Jersey and hitchhiked across the country to Alaska, where he has lived for the last 40 years — many of those with his daughter Talicia and former wife. Bob is a huge reason that the show has been so successful, as his sincerity and insight have resonated with fans in a genre (reality television) where both of those things are a rare and precious commodity.

Here are a couple of videos from The Last Alaskans featuring Bob as he struggles with leaving Alaska due to his health. I will include the description from the first video.

New Jersey native Bob Harte is infamous across Alaska’s interior for surviving more brushes with death than just about anyone in the wilderness. Bob has survived gunshot wounds, plane crashes and wildlife attacks during 40 years of isolated living in the bush. Declining health due to a battle with cancer has led Bob to a difficult decision. He must leave his remote home to seek the medical care he needs. As Bob says goodbye to Alaska, he talks about his big plans for the future and the next chapter of his life.

Rest in peace Bob.