What happened to Gary Muehlberger: Life story and cause of death

Gary Muehlberger was a beloved cast member of Life Below Zero: Port Protection. He was known for his self-reliant, wilderness-savvy lifestyle deep in Southeast Alaska. So, what happened to Gary Muehlberger? The rugged survivalist tragically passed away in a house fire on March 17, 2021, at age 75.

Key takeaways

• Gary Muehlberger was a longtime cast member of Life Below Zero: Port Protection and a respected off-grid survivalist in Alaska.
• He tragically died on March 17, 2021, at the age of 75.
• His home caught fire, and his remains were later found in the burned structure.
• Authorities ruled the fire accidental, with no foul play suspected.
• His dog, Trapper, survived the incident and was cared for by neighbours.

Gary Muehlberger's profile summary

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What happened to Gary Muehlberger

The beloved Life Below Zero: Port Protection star passed away on March 17, 2021. Gary Muehlberger’s age at the time of his death was 75.

Known for his self-sufficient life in the remote Alaskan wilderness, he gained admiration for his survival skills and warm personality. Authorities confirmed that his home caught fire, and the blaze was ruled accidental, marking a sorrowful end to his off‑grid journey.

Who was Gary Muehlberger?

Gary Muehlberger was a skilled survivalist and a beloved cast member of Life Below Zero: Port Protection, a National Geographic reality series filmed in the remote Alaskan village of Port Protection.

He lived off-grid for nearly four decades, relying on fishing, hunting, and trapping to sustain himself, often alongside his loyal dog, Trapper.

Known for his wisdom and self-sufficient lifestyle, he became a fan favourite on the show until his death at 75 years old on March 17, 2021, when an accidental fire destroyed his home.

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Did Gary Muehlberger have a family?

Gary lived a quiet, solitary life in Port Protection, Alaska, dedicating himself to off-grid survival. He did not have a wife or kids, and there is no public information about a brother or any siblings, suggesting he had no immediate family.

Even without a traditional family, Gary was deeply connected to the Port Protection community, where neighbours became like family. His loyal dog Trapper was his closest companion, reflecting the simple, self-reliant lifestyle that made him a favourite on Life Below Zero: Port Protection.

Was Gary Muhlberger ever married?

He lived a largely private life without any documented spouse or partner. His relationships remained out of public view and were never acknowledged, reinforcing that he was single for most or all of his time in Port Protection.

Who has Gary Muehlberger’s dog, Trapper?

Gary's loyal dog, Trapper, survived the fire accident that killed him. Following the incident, members of the Port Protection community stepped in to care for Trapper.

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While specific details about which neighbour took him in were not publicly shared, reports confirm that the beloved dog is alive and well. Trapper is continuing to be looked after by the close-knit community that Gary had considered family.

Did Gary's dog trapper survive the fire?

Yes, according to multiple reliable sources, Gary Muehlberger’s dog Trapper survived the fire that destroyed Gary’s home. Reality Blurred reported:

“Trapper is alive and well and being cared for. That is all the information there is.”

A local discussion on SIGforum also confirmed:

“His old dog ‘Trapper’ survived.”

What happened to Trapper on Port Protection today?

The beloved canine continued to live in the remote village for several months after surviving the blaze that killed the owner.

However, some community posts shared in later years indicate that Trapper passed away approximately three months after Gary, most likely from a stroke. One local commenter confirmed succinctly:

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“Trapper died about 3 months after Gary. Ezra thought from a stroke.”

What happened to the one-armed lady on Port Protection?

The one-armed woman on Port Protection is Amanda Makar, who appeared in the show’s first two seasons. Despite losing an arm in an earlier accident, she became a fan favourite for her independence and survival skills.

Amanda left the show after season two in 2016 and did not return when it was relaunched as Life Below Zero: Port Protection. Since then, she has kept a low profile, and her current whereabouts remain private.

What happened to Mitzi on Port Protection?

According to her husband, John Bean, she died from ovarian cancer. Her obituary in the Ketchikan Daily News confirmed she died in Port Protection and was survived by her husband, though both of her sons had passed before her.

What happened to Litzis Boys on Port Protection?

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Litzi Botello experienced the loss of both her sons, Johnny Botello and Leland Dean, before her passing. Johnny died in a car accident in 2015 at the age of 18 after a near head-on collision near Klawock, Alaska.

The sombre mood in the community after his passing

Gary Muehlberger's obituary is one of the most touching. He was a great member of his community, and his passing didn't go well with members of the community and fans of the reality TV show. The news spread fast, and the community of Port Protection as a whole came to know of his unfortunate passing.

The production team of the television series Life Below Zero posted a condolence message on their Facebook page. The post attracted over 2,000 comments from people sharing their condolence messages. Indeed, considering his community and fans' love for him, Gary Muehlberger's funeral (if it happened) was likely attended by people who loved him a lot.

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Gary Muehlberger's net worth

It appears that his net worth was never officially published or verified by reputable financial or media sources. As such, it’s best to acknowledge that Gary’s financial situation was never publicly disclosed, and suggested figures remain private.

People have been wondering what happened to Gary Muehlberger. It is hard to believe that he passed on in the most unfortunate of circumstances. Many people will remember him for his survival skills and for being a significant member of the Port Protection community.

Trivia

1. Gary was a reality television star who appeared on Life Below Zero: Port Protection. Over time, he became one of the significant characters of the television show and a respected member of his community.
2. He died at the age of 75. However, his exact date of birth has never been made public.
3. Gary wasn’t interested in social media as he lived a private life in one of the most remote locations on earth.
4. Gary’s final regular appearance was in Season 5, Episode 1, titled “Rising from the Ashes.” This episode, first aired in 2022, reflects on life in Port Protection following his tragic death and shows the community adapting without him.

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What happened to Gary Muehlberger? The late reality TV star passed away following a fire in his house. Gary spent decades thriving in Alaska’s wilderness and inspired many with his independence and warmth. His memory lives on through the show and the impact he made on viewers worldwide.

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