# What Really Happened to Sue Aikens from Life Below Zero

Sue Aikens has been a standout figure on National Geographic’s *Life Below Zero* since its debut in 2013. The show chronicles the lives of individuals surviving in Alaska’s remote, harsh wilderness, and Sue’s unique story of resilience at Kavik River Camp quickly captured viewers’ attention.

Over the years, however, her journey has been marked by challenges, controversies, and personal triumphs, leaving many fans wondering what has happened to her since the early days of the series.

Born into a tumultuous childhood, Sue’s early life shaped her unconventional path. After her parents’ divorce, her mother moved her to northern Fairbanks, Alaska, only to later abandon her in the unforgiving environment.

Forced to fend for herself, Sue learned to survive, eventually mastering hunting with a rifle given by an old Alaskan resident. She once managed up to 32 Alaskan Malamutes and set trap lines stretching 400 miles to make a living, though she later stopped hunting foxes, recognizing them as friends rather than resources.

Before *Life Below Zero*, Sue appeared in TLC’s *Sarah Palin’s Alaska* in an episode titled “She’s a Great Shot” and in *Flying Wild Alaska*, gaining initial fame. Her remote camp became a popular spot for hunting parties, drawing the attention of BBC Studios, which approached her for *Life Below Zero*.

Initially, Sue appreciated their respect for her privacy, but tensions arose in 2017 when she filed a lawsuit against BBC Studios’ Los Angeles unit. The suit stemmed from a 2015 snowmobile accident aired in episodes titled “Crash” and “Aftermath.” Sue claimed she was forced to film in a dangerous location despite her warnings, and after the accident, the rescue was deliberately delayed for dramatic footage, exacerbating her pain.

Beyond legal battles, Sue faced other challenges. In 2017, the government’s decision to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling threatened her camp, the only commercial center nearby.

Though she owns the equipment and structures, not the land, she preemptively bought an abandoned cabin in Chena, Alaska, as a backup plan while continuing to maintain Kavik. The COVID-19 pandemic also hit her business hard, halting client visits and revenue.

During this time, Sue upgraded her facilities, replacing pipes and building outhouses, showcasing her resourcefulness despite harsh weather hindering her food-growing efforts.

Sue’s life in solitude hasn’t been without danger. A harrowing 2007 bear attack left her severely injured after the animal tossed her around, tearing her shoulder and hip.

Alone, she dragged herself back to camp, tended her wounds, and even hunted down the bear before waiting ten days for help. Her motto, “If it hurts, don’t think about it,” reflects her unyielding spirit. Personal struggles, like a broken leg requiring surgery in 2011 and theft of $5,000 worth of fuel, further tested her resilience.

On a personal note, Sue has been married twice, with her first husband passing from brain cancer and her second marriage ending after 17 years due to lifestyle differences. She remains friends with her second ex-husband until his death and is currently in a long-distance relationship with Michael Heinrich. Sue Aikens continues to embody survival, adapting to every challenge Alaska throws her way.