Tom Oar, beloved star of the History Channel’s Mountain Men, is a true symbol of grit, independence, and frontier wisdom. Born in 1943, Tom spent his early years as a professional rodeo cowboy before settling down in the remote Yaak River Valley in Montana with his wife, Nancy. Choosing to live off-grid, the couple built a life of self-reliance — hunting, trapping, tanning hides, and living as true modern-day pioneers. Over the years, Tom became one of the most iconic faces on Mountain Men, admired for his survival skills and humble personality.
Tom Oar’s Death Rumor — What Sparked It and Is He Alive?
In 2025, rumors began to circulate online suggesting that Tom Oar had passed away. The false claim quickly picked up traction, alarming fans of Mountain Men around the world. However, these rumors are completely untrue. Tom Oar is alive and has even provided proof to silence the hoax.
To reassure his followers, Tom posted a photo of himself holding a 2025 calendar, confirming he is still very much alive. The confusion appears to have originated from an obituary for another man named Tom Oar, which led to a widespread misunderstanding. The rumor gained further momentum due to Tom’s history of heart problems, making it seem believable to those unaware of the facts.
But the truth is clear: Tom Oar is alive
A Look Back at Tom Oar’s Health Issues
While Tom is alive, he hasn’t been without health challenges — particularly concerning his heart. During Season 11 of Mountain Men, which aired in 2022, viewers witnessed a deeply concerning moment in the episode titled “Heart and Soul.” Tom awoke one night gasping for breath, which prompted his wife Nancy to insist on seeking medical help.
The couple traveled 80 miles from their home in Yaak, Montana, to the nearest clinic in Libby. After a thorough check-up, doctors diagnosed Tom with heart failure-related issues, which had caused fluid to accumulate in his lungs. He was placed on heart-strengthening medication and prescribed a defibrillator vest to wear as a precaution against sudden cardiac arrest.
Despite these serious health concerns, Tom refused to give up the life he loved. Nancy began shouldering more responsibilities around their homestead, and they continued making regular medical visits to monitor his condition. His perseverance through it all only further endeared him to fans.
Is Tom Oar Hospitalized in 2025?
Following the health scare in 2022, more rumors resurfaced in late 2024, claiming that Tom Oar had once again been hospitalized due to a recurrence of his heart issues. At the time, many fans feared the worst. But no credible reports or official confirmations ever emerged to validate the claims. It was later revealed that the 2024 hospitalization rumor was false.
Now, in 2025, a new wave of speculation has begun, once again suggesting that Tom has been hospitalized. However, just like in 2024, there is no verified information or public statement from Tom or his family confirming any recent hospitalization.
Given the pattern and lack of reliable sources, it’s clear that this is just another rumor — likely triggered by ongoing concerns over his age and previous heart issues.