**What Really Happened to Sue Aikens from *Life Below Zero*?**

Since its debut on National Geographic Channel in 2013, *Life Below Zero* has captivated audiences with its raw depiction of survival in Alaska’s remote wilderness.

The show follows subsistence hunters navigating harsh conditions, and among its standout stars is Sue Aikens, who has been with the series from the start.

Living at Kavik River Camp, her unconventional lifestyle and resilience have made her a fan favorite. However, over the years, numerous events—ranging from personal struggles to legal battles—have left many wondering what has happened to her.

Sue’s journey to survival began in childhood. After her parents’ divorce, her mother took her to northern Fairbanks, Alaska, only to later abandon her in an unforgiving environment. Forced to fend for herself, Sue learned to hunt with a rifle given by an old Alaskan resident, realizing survival meant earning a living.

She once managed up to 32 Alaskan Malamutes and set trap lines spanning 400 miles. Before *Life Below Zero*, she appeared in TLC’s *Sarah Palin’s Alaska* and Discovery’s *Flying Wild Alaska*, gaining attention for her unique life at Kavik.

Her tenure on *Life Below Zero* hasn’t been without controversy. In 2017, Sue shocked fans by filing a lawsuit against BBC Studios’ Los Angeles unit.

The suit stemmed from a 2015 snowmobile accident while filming, where she hit an ice heave at six miles per hour, sustaining injuries. She claimed the producer, Aaron Mellman, ignored her warnings about the dangerous location and forced her to perform for the camera. Post-accident, she alleged the rescue team delayed help intentionally to capture dramatic footage, exacerbating her pain. The episodes aired without her consent, raising questions about why she waited two years to file the lawsuit.

Sue’s challenges extend beyond legal issues. In 2007, a bear attacked her while fetching water, severely injuring her shoulder and hip. Alone, she dragged herself back to camp, tended her wounds, and even hunted down the bear despite her condition.

After waiting ten days for help, her motto—“if it hurts, don’t think about it”—reflected her incredible grit. Other hardships include a 2011 surgery after breaking her leg, followed by the theft of $5,000 worth of fuel from her camp, nearly jeopardizing her survival through winter.

Her business at Kavik suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic due to social distancing, halting client visits and revenue. Sue used the downtime for upgrades like replacing gray water pipes and building outhouses, showcasing her resourcefulness.

Yet, harsh weather thwarted her gardening efforts, forcing her to forage and hunt caribou. Additionally, government plans to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for drilling in 2017 threatened her camp, prompting her to buy an abandoned cabin in Chena, Alaska, as a backup.

On a personal note, Sue has been married twice, with both husbands passing away. She now dates Michael Heinrich, maintaining a long-distance relationship. Despite life’s brutal challenges, Sue Aikens remains a symbol of endurance in Alaska’s wild frontier.