From Grizzly Battles to Broken Marriages: Sue Aikens’ Wild Ride Through the Arctic and Life

Sue Aikens first rose to fame as one of the stars of Life Below Zero, the National Geographic reality series that follows a group of individuals surviving in the harsh Alaskan wilderness.

The show, which debuted in 2013, explores the lives of seven people living both above and below the Arctic Circle, showcasing their struggles to fish, forage, hunt, and survive in one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth.

Among these survivalists, Sue Aikens stood out for her big personality, unmatched bravery, and incredible survival skills.

Sue resides alone in the Kavik River Camp, a remote outpost located miles from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Her home is so isolated that its address is listed in latitude and longitude coordinates.

With a population of just one—Sue herself—the camp is a testament to her desire for extreme isolation.

In interviews, Sue has shared that solitude warms her soul, and she thrives in the peace and quiet of the wilderness.

Sue’s journey into this rugged lifestyle began when she was just a child.

After her parents divorced, her mother moved her to Alaska but later abandoned her without warning.

Left to fend for herself, Sue was handed a gun by a local resident and told she wouldn’t survive unless she learned to hunt.

This pivotal moment set the course for her life, as she embraced the wilderness and fulfilled her dream of living alone.

Her life took a dramatic turn in 2017 when Sue made headlines for filing a lawsuit against the producers of Life Below Zero.

She alleged that they had forced her to perform dangerous stunts for the sake of capturing dramatic footage.

One incident involved overloading her snowmobile, leading to a serious accident and injuries.

Sue claimed she was denied immediate medical attention to ensure the producers got their shot, all while enduring verbal abuse from one particular producer.

She also accused the show of portraying her as unstable and incompetent to boost ratings.

After a legal battle, Sue won $28 million in damages, marking a significant victory for reality TV stars fighting against exploitation.

Despite the lawsuit, Sue maintained her relationship with National Geographic and continued to appear on the show.

Her survival skills have been tested repeatedly, including a terrifying encounter with a grizzly bear in 2007.

The bear attacked Sue while she was fetching water, tossing her around and biting her head.

Despite dislocated hip joints and severe injuries, Sue managed to shoot the bear and crawl back to her camp.

She survived alone for nearly two weeks before being discovered and receiving medical attention.

The scars from the attack remain, serving as a reminder of her incredible resilience.

Sue’s personal life has been equally dramatic.

She has been married three times, with two of her husbands tragically passing away.

Her first husband died from brain injuries, and her second husband, Eddie James, passed away in 2009 after their divorce.

Her third marriage ended in heartbreak when her husband revealed he was having an affair with a younger woman.

Sue divorced him and moved on, eventually getting engaged to Michael Heinrich in 2021.

Before her time on Life Below Zero, Sue appeared on other Alaska-focused shows, including Sarah Palin’s Alaska and Flying Wild Alaska.

However, her experiences on these shows were far from ideal.

Sue filed a lawsuit against the Discovery Channel in 2013, claiming she was underpaid and forced to perform dangerous tasks for footage.

After a settlement, she left the network and joined National Geographic, where she found greater success.

Sue’s life has also been marked by personal loss.

In the 21st season of Life Below Zero, she paid tribute to her late sister and granddaughter, Drew McClurg, who passed away at the young age of 19.

Fans rallied around Sue, offering condolences and praising her strength during such a difficult time.

Over the years, Sue has undergone significant changes, including a remarkable weight loss journey.

In 2018, she decided to commit to a healthier lifestyle, motivated by her approaching 60th birthday.

Through physical labor and determination, Sue lost 75 pounds in one year, transforming herself and improving her ability to perform daily tasks in the wilderness.

Sue’s encounters with wildlife continue to be a highlight of the show.

In one memorable episode, she tracked a wolverine that had been causing trouble around her camp.

Armed with a large rifle, Sue demonstrated her expertise and determination, showcasing the dangers of her daily life.

Her camp, Kavik River Camp, also serves as a business, offering accommodations to adventurers and photographers seeking to explore the Arctic.

Sue has plans to make the camp fully eco-friendly, though she acknowledges it will take time to achieve this goal.

Despite the challenges of living in such an isolated and harsh environment, Sue remains a symbol of strength and resilience.

Her life is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure and thrive in the face of adversity.

Fans continue to admire her courage, humor, and determination, eagerly tuning in to see what challenges she will tackle next.

As Sue Aikens navigates the complexities of her life both on and off-screen, it’s clear that she has left an indelible mark on reality television.

Her story inspires millions to embrace their own inner strength and reminds us of the beauty and brutality of the natural world.