Enthusiasts of History’s “Mountain Men” are familiar with the gripping narrative that follows resilient and nature-loving pioneers showcasing essential wilderness survival skills. Nestled in the breathtaking wild woodlands of North America, these adept survivalists and their families impart invaluable knowledge to viewers, unraveling the unspoken secrets of living self-sufficiently off the land. The show not only serves as an entertainment spectacle but also revives dwindling survival tactics that have gradually faded from our society.
Season after season, stalwart characters such as Tom Oar, Jason Hawk, Morgan Beasley, and Marty Meierotto captivate audiences, propelling the series to over 146 episodes on the History channel. Amid the rugged cast is Eustace Conway, a “Mountain Man” situated in the serene Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Facing challenges like scavengers, harsh weather, and poachers, Conway passionately dedicates himself to Turtle Island, advocating for the worthiness of his unconventional lifestyle.
A crucial part of Conway’s journey was his steadfast companion, Preston Roberts, co-founder of the Turtle Island Preserve. Roberts played a pivotal role in the show, offering his survival expertise and serving as Conway’s right-hand man for over six seasons. However, the show took an unexpected turn as fans, and Conway himself, grappled with the tragic news of Preston Roberts’ untimely passing.
As season 7 unfolded, Roberts was noticeably absent from the initial episodes, leaving fans in suspense and prompting widespread speculation. Devotees of the series remain curious about the circumstances surrounding Preston Roberts’ departure, yearning to uncover the details of the unforeseen turn in the Mountain Men saga.
Preston Roberts succumbed to health-related complications.
For dedicated followers acquainted with the resilient pioneers showcased on “Mountain Men,” witnessing Eustace Conway navigate the wilderness without his steadfast companion, Preston Roberts, proves not only disconcerting but genuinely disheartening. The somber news of Roberts’ passing emerged abruptly when, on July 24, 2017, the Turtle Island Preserve announced the unexpected death of the 60-year-old former art teacher. The cause was revealed to be a “large inoperable tumor on his liver that obstructed the flow of blood and oxygen to his organs and body.”
The loss of Preston Roberts reverberated profoundly among fans of “Mountain Men,” and none felt it more keenly than his best friend, Eustace Conway. The Turtle Island Preserve conveyed that, despite the shock of his sudden departure, there was some solace in knowing that Roberts’s final days were spent surrounded by family and friends rather than enduring prolonged suffering. In a heartfelt tribute penned by Conway for The Turtle Island Preserve, he eloquently expressed the void left by Roberts’s absence, highlighting his friend’s generosity and support that touched the lives of thousands. Conway wrote, “Because Preston was such a giving, supportive person, he helped many thousands of students and friends, always improving their life.”
Preston Roberts, a father of three and devoted husband to Kathleen, continues to be profoundly missed by those close to him and the fan community alike. The Turtle Island Preserve acknowledged the irreplaceable nature of his multifaceted roles, describing him as a teacher, mentor, builder, friend, artist, elder, inspiration, dancer, leader, and a solid rock foundation, leaving a significant void in their community. Despite the tragedy, Roberts’s legacy of compassion and assistance endures through a memorial scholarship established in his honor, ensuring that his impact continues to positively influence the lives of others.