⛏️ Shocking Truth Behind Dave Turin’s Exit from Gold Rush—And What He’s Doing Now Will Surprise You!

In 2025, the story of Dave “Dozer” Turin is one of transformation, resilience, and a quiet return to his roots.

From the high-stakes world of gold mining to teaching families how to find gold in their own backyards, Dave’s journey reflects a life well-lived, marked by both triumphs and tragedies.

Born on April 21, 1959, in Sandy, Oregon, Dave grew up in a family deeply connected to the quarrying industry.

His father, Jim Turin, ran a successful rock quarry, and from a young age, Dave learned the ins and outs of heavy equipment, developing a strong work ethic that would serve him well throughout his life.

After studying civil engineering, he spent over 25 years managing the family business before it was sold to a multinational corporation.

Dave’s entry into the world of gold mining began around 2009 when he met Todd Hoffman at church.

Hoffman had a bold idea: to mine for gold in Alaska.

Intrigued, Dave joined the venture as an adviser, and by the second season of Gold Rush in 2011, he was officially on camera with the Hoffman crew.

Nicknamed “Dozer Dave” for his expertise in operating bulldozers, he quickly became a respected figure in the mining community.

By season 3, Dave was leading his own crew at the Indian River claim, successfully pulling out about 83 ounces of gold, worth roughly $1.2 million in a single season.

His calm demeanor and problem-solving skills earned him admiration from fans and crew alike.

However, the pressures of reality television and the mining industry took their toll.

By season 7, the combination of bad ground, tight budgets, and constant stress pushed the crew to their limits.

A heated argument with fellow miner Trey Pollson escalated into a fistfight that was caught on camera, shocking fans who knew Dave for his typically composed nature.

This incident marked a turning point for Dave, leading him to walk away from the Hoffman crew and Gold Rush itself.

He felt he could no longer work with someone who resorted to violence instead of communication.

After leaving Gold Rush, Dave began pitching new project ideas, leading to the creation of Gold Rush: Dave Turin’s Lost Mine, which premiered in March 2019.

This series shifted the focus from crew drama to the actual process of mining, emphasizing the hunt for gold in abandoned mines across the American West.

Over four seasons, Team Turin uncovered hundreds of ounces of gold while fostering a close-knit crew dynamic.

Tragedy struck during production when young production assistant Terren Woods Jr. went missing in the Idaho wilderness, a heartbreaking loss for the crew.

Later, fan-favorite Jesse Goowens suffered a fatal heart attack on set, leaving the team devastated.

These experiences added emotional weight to the series, showcasing the real-life challenges faced by those in the mining industry.

By the end of season 4 of Lost Mine, Dave decided to retire from full-time mining.

He sold the Alaska claim to his longtime crew members, Nathan Clark and Jason Sanchez, and in January 2023, he returned to the claim for a final gold haul of $50,000, marking a poignant farewell to a decade-long journey in the spotlight.

In March 2024, Dave launched a new series, America’s Backyard Gold, where he travels across the United States helping everyday people find gold in their own backyards.

This show highlights the joy of discovery and the importance of family bonding, as viewers see Dave teaching families how to pan for gold and engage with local history.

Now at 66 years old, Dave Turin finds fulfillment in mentoring others rather than chasing the high-stakes thrill of mining.

He spends part of the year filming America’s Backyard Gold and the rest in Sandy, Oregon, enjoying a quieter life with his wife, Shel, whom he married over 40 years ago.

Together, they have three adult children and grandchildren, who now receive more of his attention than any excavator or mining operation ever did.

Despite facing his own health challenges, including back surgery in 2021, Dave has remained active and committed to sharing his knowledge and passion for mining.

Financially, he is comfortable, with estimates of his net worth ranging from $2 to $4 million, allowing him to focus on what he loves most: teaching and spending time with family.

Dave Turin’s story is not one of a fall from grace but rather a transition from the chaos of reality TV to a more meaningful existence.

He embodies the idea that true wealth lies not just in gold but in the relationships we build and the knowledge we share.

As he stands by a creek with families, teaching them to swirl a pan and find their own little treasures, he reminds us all that the most valuable discoveries often come from the heart.

So, the next time you see a flash of gold in your pan or flip through a Gold Rush rerun, remember Dozer Dave’s journey.

It’s a testament to hard work, resilience, and the importance of finding joy in the simple things in life.