Following the devastating loss of his mother to cancer at the age of 55 in 2018, Gold Rush star Rick Ness found himself grappling with profound grief. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Ness opens up about the emotional turbulence he faced during the reality show’s 13th season and the subsequent steps he took to navigate his mental health struggles.
Expressing his difficulties in understanding and coping with depression, Ness, a 42-year-old veteran gold miner, candidly shares, “I’m a gold miner with the stigma there. I don’t really ask for help, you know what I mean?” He elaborates on the inner turmoil he experienced, admitting that grappling with mental health issues in isolation proved challenging, especially when he lacked a clear understanding of what he was facing.
In response to the overwhelming emotional toll, Ness made a pivotal decision to take a year off from work, temporarily stepping away from the fiercely competitive world of gold mining. Despite the potential financial setbacks, he prioritized his well-being over business considerations. “This business is easy come, easy go. It’s a very fickle business,” Ness reflects on the demanding nature of his profession.
Season 14 marks Ness’s return to gold mining, symbolized by selling his mother’s house to fund the reconstruction of his business. Starting with minimal resources, he faces the daunting task of rebuilding from scratch, recruiting trusted friend Brian “Zee” Zaremba as his partner in this ambitious endeavor.
Addressing skeptics who doubted his return, Ness hopes to defy expectations and prove his resilience in the upcoming season. The emotional support from former colleague and friend Parker Schnabel adds a touching dimension to his journey, with Schnabel defending Ness as a survivor who belongs on the mining stage.
Ness’s candid acknowledgment of his vulnerability emphasizes a powerful realization: “The weight of the world can crush anybody.” Through sharing his struggles, he hopes to inspire and support others facing similar challenges, underscoring the importance of seeking help and embracing one’s humanity.
As Season 14 of Gold Rush unfolds, viewers can witness Rick Ness’s compelling narrative of rebuilding, redemption, and the pursuit of newfound strength. The premiere is scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on the Discovery Channel, with the entire series available for streaming on Max. For those in need of mental health support, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to connect with a certified crisis counselor.