Tom Oar is a name synonymous with wilderness survival and self-sufficiency, made famous through his role on History Channel’s Mountain Men. Born in 1943, Oar lived the life of a rodeo cowboy for many years before retiring to the rugged Yaak River Valley in Montana with his wife, Nancy.
His skills in hide tanning, trapping, and living off the grid have turned him into a symbol of resilience and traditional craftsmanship. With over a decade on Mountain Men, Oar has become a fan favorite for his authenticity and dedication to living a simple yet demanding life.
Tom’s story has inspired millions of viewers worldwide, many of whom admire his commitment to preserving the old ways of living. However, recent developments in his health have added a new layer of concern for the fans who have followed his journey.
In 2022, during Mountain Men Season 11, Tom Oar’s health problems were revealed to the public for the first time. In an episode titled Heart and Soul, viewers learned that Oar had been struggling with a serious heart condition.
One night, Tom awoke gasping for air, and his wife Nancy, alarmed by his sudden shortness of breath, urged him to seek medical help. After traveling 80 miles to the nearest clinic, tests revealed that Tom’s heart wasn’t functioning properly, which had caused fluid to accumulate in his lungs
Tom, who had always been proud of his physical endurance, admitted that he had never faced serious health issues before this. Doctors prescribed medication to help strengthen his heart and reduce fluid buildup, and he was outfitted with a heart rate monitor to track his condition.
Living in such a remote area, Oar also began wearing a defibrillator vest in case of an emergency. While the medication helped stabilize his condition at the time, doctors warned that surgery might be required if his heart didn’t improve.
Despite these challenges, Oar remained committed to his rugged lifestyle. However, the situation took a toll on both him and Nancy, who began taking on more responsibilities around their homestead as Tom’s strength diminished.
In October 2024, rumors surfaced that Tom Oar had been hospitalized once again due to the return of his heart problems. This news site reported that Tom Oar Oar had been taken to the hospital after experiencing worsening symptoms, similar to those he faced in 2022. According to the article, Tom was dealing with severe difficulty breathing, leading to concerns about the potential need for surgery
However, after fact-checking this information, it became evident that no concrete evidence or official confirmation about Oar’s recent hospitalization has been released.
While it is entirely possible that Oar’s heart condition has flared up, the reported hospitalization might be a false rumor. Neither Oar nor his family has made any public statements regarding his health since these rumors began circulating, leaving fans to speculate about his current situation
Tom Oar’s health struggles have been an ongoing concern since they first became public in 2022. As a man in his 80s, his heart problems are undoubtedly a significant challenge for someone living in such a remote and physically demanding environment.
While a recent report claimed that Oar was hospitalized in October 2024 due to a recurrence of his heart issues, our fact-checking has revealed that there is no concrete information supporting this claim, and it may well be a false rumor.
Fans of Tom Oar continue to hope for his recovery and well-being, whether he returns to Mountain Men or decides to finally retire from his life in the wilderness. His legacy as one of America’s great modern pioneers remains strong, and viewers will always remember him as the man who lived life on his own terms, with an unyielding spirit of independence.